When opening a family child care home, it is imperative to create an environment that affirms to the identity and realities of the families and their children. Intense attention would be placed on the staff and professionals contracted to work there, in ensuring that they are focused on anti-bias education. This is so that all families that walk through the door would know that their children would be taken care of in a respectful and inclusive manner.
At my centre, there would be intentional progress towards achieving the anti-bias education goals which would ensure that children are given the room to explore their identities, acknowledge differences and diversity in others, learn the language to express themselves when they see any form of discrimination against them or others and finally have the courage to advocate against all forms of discrimination (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010).
There would be materials that represent all the families within the centre in a manner that celebrates their identities and also validates each child's self-identity. When children are constantly surrounded by this that do not represent them, they start to feel like they are not important enough which could negatively impact them in the long run (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010).
Like Adriano Castillo, there would be a place where children can self-regulate and develop their social-emotional skill with as much help with a professional which would be useful to them as they interact with other children within the program. Another idea to emulate would be to create a welcoming environment so that parents feel free to share information (verbally or written down) about their children with the staff so that there can be context to how a child behaves and interact with other children through out the day (Laureate Education, 2011).
In conclusion, diversity and inclusion should be embraced from a young age, because in the long run the skills that children develop would be helpful in how they deal would conflict and other people that have opposing ideas from them (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010).
Reference
Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to an anti-bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author
Creating an affirming environment is so important. When children feel like they belong it is easier for them to feel a part of the environment. Some children can connect to his or her classmates as well as the teacher when the environment is inviting and safe. It can be difficult for a teacher to understand the individual needs of the child if he or she makes no effort to connect with the child and an affirmimg environment contributes to what is neccessary for a conducive learning environment.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about emulating her creating an environment for kids to self regulate. Its so important and is the core of children's social emotional resiliancy to be able to calm themselves and focus on how to address their feelings, and she makes the space safe to do that. I think I forget that parents need that too sometimes. Being a parents is emotional work, and being able to make a space for parents to also share their feelings and thoughts only makes the bond stronger!
ReplyDeleteHello Adioele,
ReplyDeleteAnti-bias childcare centers should reflect the diversity in its population of children. Educators must be aware utilize ant-bias education and seek to end bias. The curriculum and instruction should be embedded with diversity. The books, materials, toys, and other materials should reflect diversity. There should be materials on gender, sexual orientation, two dad families, two mom families, and other forms of family that is developmentally appropriate. As educators, we must recognize each family no matter the form. Teaching children anti-bias education introduces a working concept of diversity into the classroom that addresses the impact of social stereotypes, bias and discrimination in children's development (Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences). To foster anti-bias in an affirming environment, it is our job as educators to promote and develop strategies that effectively lead to the development of children in an inclusive environment.
Reference: Teaching Young Children to Understand and Accept Differences lesley.edu/article/teaching young childrrn.
Beverly
Hello, Adiele.
ReplyDeleteAnti-bias child centers should reflect diversity in its population of students. Educators must be steadfast in utilizing anti-bias education. This is only justice with privilege for no one.
The curriculum and instruction should embedded with diversity. The books, pictures, toys, boards and other materials should reflect diversity. Within the childcare center, it should be openly discussed about differences, making the child and identity unique.
Teaching children anti-bias education introduces a working concept of diversity into the classroom that addresses the impact of social stereotypes, bias and discrimination in children's development (teaching Your children to understand and accept differences).
To foster anti-bias in an affirming environment, as educators it is a responsibility to promote and develop strategies that effective lead to effective development of all children.
Latanya Myricks
ReplyDeleteHello Adiele, Creating a classroom that identifies the reality and real life situations and activities in a classroom is going to be great for the children. Children will feel comfortable with a part of them in the class.Having materials in the class to represent each child identity is a good idea.Self regulate and social emotional skills are very important in young children and giving them an area to do this will be good for them it allows them to express themselves and not be made to hush up about it.
Adiele,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very inspirational. I like the idea of having real life situation, this is actual the first time I have heard of some one using it in a classroom setting? I have a question how would you handle a students who comes to school being violate with others because that is what they see in their real life situation?
NeKia