In light of deep racial divides and social tensions, the urgency of teaching tolerance to the youngest children in schools is highlighted, with special correspondent Cat Wise visiting impactful programs in California for the 'Making the Grade' series.

At the Child Unique Montessori School in Alameda, California, an anti-bias curriculum introduces children to diversity through activities like using multi-colored crayons to match their skin tones. Founder Cindy Acker emphasizes appreciating individual diversity and questioning differences in others, asserting that these lessons are more crucial than ever due to current world events.

Louise Derman-Sparks, author of 'Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves,' explains that young children notice differences early and begin absorbing stereotypes by ages three and four. She argues that being 'colorblind' actually harms children and that teachers should address misinformation and fears by discussing similarities and differences among students.

Francesca Conterno, a public preschool teacher in Hayward Unified District, creates an atmosphere where children can discuss differences, such as eye color. She advocates for the classroom as a 'perfect setting' for honest conversations about race and uses materials that highlight equality. Derman-Sparks adds that classroom materials and staffing send messages to children about who has power and who matters.

Conterno views uncomfortable questions about race and gender as teachable moments, encouraging deeper exploration rather than simply dismissing them. Parents like Shawnee Keck choose schools with a strong focus on equity and social justice. While her husband initially worried about their son feeling bad about being white, Keck believes these lessons foster understanding.

Parent Amitra Mamdouhi notes that for very young children, the conversation about diversity is kept simple, focusing on natural differences like skin color due to melanin, and highlighting shared humanity: 'We bleed, we cry, we love.'