My one hope for programs working
with children and families from diverse backgrounds would be that all people
accept and respect each other and to celebrate both the similarities and the
differences that each brings. I am not
sure if this can ever be accomplished because there is a need in all cultures
for one group to hold power over another group.
However, I can do my part to honor each person for where they are when
they enter our program by modeling acceptance, trust and respect. We have so much that we can learn from each
other. I have seen this through my
interactions with people in the class as well as at work.
A
goal that I would have for the Early Childhood field might be that all early
childhood professionals have a better understanding of culture-both surface and
deep- in order to meet the individual needs of the children and families in our
care (Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards, J.O., 2010, p. 56). By taking the time to better understand the
culture of the children and families, we, as educators, can intentionally plan
the curriculum to meet the variety of needs for the children in our
classrooms. It can also help to prevent
microaggressions against people whose beliefs are different from that of our
own culture (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
We can also help others to appreciate and celebrate the different gifts
that each person brings to the classroom.
Lessons can be learned by gleaning the best from every culture and using
the ideas to further early childhood education for all.
I
have thoroughly enjoyed learning about diversity and equity in this class. In the process I have learned a great deal
about myself and the issues facing others in the early childhood field. Thank you for your willingness to share your
strategies and struggles as we continue to grow through the Master’s
Program. Sadly, I will miss the next
course because I was involved in a serious car accident so I must complete the
papers I have missed. I look forward to
reading your discussions from weeks 6-7 and your blog posts as well. I hope that our paths will cross again so
that we can continue to learn from each other.
References
Derman-Sparks, L. & Edwards,
J.O., (2010) Anti-Bias Education for
Young Children and Ourselves.
Washington, DC: National
Association for the Education of Young Children
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer)
(2010). Microaggressions in Every Day
Life. Baltimore, MD: Walden University
Hi Carol, I missed your discussion posts over the period of week 6 and 7. Now I know why you were unable to post. I am sorry to hear about your accident, and wish you full and speedy recovery. I am glad that you will be able to take time to complete your course work, and hopefully we'll run across each other again. Your professionalism and the seriousness with which you take your work is an asset to the whole Early Childhood community. Stay in touch.
ReplyDeleteI too missed you the past two weeks. I am sorry to hear about the accident. I wish you well and look forward to sharing more classes with you in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed reading your post! Sorry to hear about your accident and I pray your strength and recovery. Good luck in the future with your classes and I would like to thank you and other colleagues for your support, comments and opinions.