Second Step® Early Learning & Elementary Classroom Kit “Eyes Watching” Replacement Card FAQs

What is changing and why?

• • As an organization committed to providing every child with high-quality, effective social-emotional learning supports, we review and improve our programs as new information and research become available. Committee for Children has recently received concerns from customers surrounding the image and language included in the “Eyes Watching” lesson card in the Second Step® Early Learning and 2011 Second Step® Elementary print classroom kits. The photo of the young girl pointing to her eyes in such a manner is problematic and may be triggering to members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. We will be replacing the harmful image identified and providing them free of charge to Second Step® users with registered classroom kits.

Which Second Step® materials are being replaced?

• • In Second Step® Early Learning and 2011 Second Step® Elementary classroom kits we’re replacing:

When will the updated materials be available?

• • The updated Second Step materials will be available online starting April 6, 2021. We’ll begin shipping replacement materials by April 29, 2021, to clients who request them via our online form. The form to request updated materials can be found here. 

How can I get the new materials? Do I have to pay for them?

• • Replacement materials are available to new and existing clients free of charge. Second Step® users with registered classroom kits can access them digitally at any time beginning on April 6, 2021. Replacement print materials will start shipping on April 29, 2021, to clients who requested them.
  • If you have an existing Second Step® Early Learning or 2011 Second Step® Elementary print classroom kit, you can request free replacement materials for the affected lessons by emailing your request to support@secondstep.org. Please include:
    • The number of replacement items you need and their grades
    • Your shipping address, name, and job title
  • If you’re in the process of ordering new classroom kits, please note that the shipment of all-new kits will be delayed until we’ve had the chance to replace the cards.
  • If you order new classroom kits after April 2, 2021, they will automatically include the new materials.
    
    

Why do I have to request the replacement card in order to receive a new one?

• • Since many of our customers are pivoting from our 2011 print classroom kits to our new Second Step Elementary digital program, we are only mailing out replacement cards to those who request them.
  • We are taking steps to make it as easy as possible for our clients to access replacement materials. In addition to providing clients with a simple way to order these materials, we’ve also replaced them online, so Second Step users with registered classroom kits can access them digitally at any time. Committee for Children aims to have the majority of our clients start using these replacement materials by May. We’re implementing an assertive marketing and communications outreach strategy as part of the plan to achieve this goal. 
    
    

Who do I contact with questions?

• • We’re fully committed to ensuring that our programs remain culturally relevant today and for decades to come. If educators or their students see harmful representations in Committee for Children’s programs, they should report the materials to us immediately by filling out this form, emailing us at support@secondstep.org, or calling us Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, at 800-634-4449, ext. 1.
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Where does Committee for Children stand on the increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• • We recognize, condemn, and seek to disrupt systemic racism and harmful stereotypes, which are detrimental for all children, especially children of color, including the Asian American and the Pacific Islander community. We are committed to building an anti-racist, equitable, and inclusive society that supports every child’s positive development and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and a sense of belonging.
  • To ensure that our programs are culturally responsive, affirming, and accessible to all children, especially systemically marginalized children, we are committed to ensuring that our programs help young people discover and grow competencies that support their resilience and ability to contribute to more equitable schools and communities.
  • As we progress toward becoming an anti-racist organization, we are committed to continuous learning and improvement and seek feedback from staff, board members, and the communities we serve.