Foundations of Early Childhood

To be an effective anti-bias educator I must honor and respect diversity (Oran, 2009). Working with families requires me to listen to their concerns about their children and what their expectations are for their child’s learning (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). I must examine my cultural biases and develop strategies to combat any negative and discriminatory behaviors regarding differences, and continue to foster positive relationships with all families and children. Thank you to all my colleagues for your insightful and thought provoking responses during this class. Together we can make a change in how a children view themselves and the world. Good Luck in the future! References: Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Oran, G. (2009, December 2009). Culturally relevant pedagogy. Retrieved from http://www.educati...

UNICEF is the largest global organization working especially for children in providing long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children in war-torn and developing countries ( UNICEF, 2011). An earlier course requirement to subscribe to an international web site in and investigate child well-being has led me to continue receiving updates through the UNICEF website for the regions of Eastern and Southern Africa.             An August 2014 UNICEF press release asserts the impact of disease, malnutrition and the weather as threats to the well-being of refugees fleeing from fighting in the town of Bentui, where an United Nations base serves as a Protection of Civilians camp (UNICEF, 2011). In March, an estimated 38,000 people fled to the refugee camp joining the 7000 people already there. The number of people outweigh the camps ability to provide clean safe water. Children were weak and malnourished after days in the b...

Young children are exposed to many messages and images that infer their values is contingent upon how sexy they are for girls.  Boys are judged how macho and insensitive they are. These messages can confuse and even frighten young children ( Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. 2009).   . Exposure to images of sexual behavior lacking emotions, attachments, or consequences is detrimental to young children’s emerging sense of self. This constant exposure influences children’s perceptions and they begin to associate physical appearance with success and they learn that sex is the major factor in a relationship. Cartoons, dolls, clothing ads and media portrayals are all contributors to the sexualtization of childhood ( Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. 2009).   .  Children as young as five years old are talking about being girlfriend and boyfriend in my granddaughter’s class. She came from school one afternoon and announced that Don and Amy were a couple. Her father a...

Having a physical disability may lead to negative perceptions and societal prejudices. Abelism is defined as discrimination against disabled people  (Dictionary.com, 2014) .  This leads to a negative determination of an individual’s abilities based on his or her disabilities. Being perceived as unable to perform the duties  of my job may impact how I perceive myself, am I able to effectively function in the learning environment, assist children when needed, and can I respond to an emergency situation when needed are a few questions that arise when I think of being physically impaired.   Having family’s trust is vital in establishing relationship between them and the program. Sensing that a family had concerns about my physical competence likely could take a toll on my emotionally well-being and ability to relate to the family in an authentic manner. In dealing with the situation I might avoid the family to lessen the possibility of them questioning me or reacti...

Everyday interactions are opportunities to promote learning. How the teacher facilitates the learning opportunity will result in what the child learns. Sometimes interactions are purposeful in their intent others are spontaneous, each holds the potential to make a positive impact on how children feel about themselves and what and how they learn (Dombro, 2011). My observation took place in a three year old classroom. The classroom is set up in learning centers that allow the children to choose the materials they work with. The group was working in centers and the teacher was circulating around the room stopping occasionally to talk with the children about their work. Three children are sitting in the writing center working in journals. As the teacher approaches, one child says, "Look at my story Ms. Tina. I wrote about the book you read.” The teacher comments as she looks at the child’s journal, “Did you like the story this morning Mimi”? Ans walks over to another group in...

              “All childcare environments, including family child care homes, can provide excellent anti-bias materials”  (Laureate Education, 2011) . A culturally appropriate environment reflects the families enrolled. An essential component of anti-bias education is to respectfully acknowledge and support all of the children’s families to help children develop a positive sense of self. Providing materials that represent the families and children such as posters, dramatic play props, books, and other play accessories depicting varying abilities will be available to the children  (Edwards, 2010) . Exposing children to unbiased information regarding various life experiences of other cultures, diverse groups, builds their awareness of differences.  Including  photos of families and children engaged in various activities relevant to their daily lives,  also photos of other cultures will be included to expose the children...

·            My hope is to  develop a reciprocal relationships with all children and families, respect their home culture and language, and provide children opportunities to engage in learning experiences reflective of their home culture. ·          One goal I have for the profession is to ensure  diversity training is a priority. I encounter many early childhood professionals who are unaware of the importance of learning about the family's culture and how this improves relationships between the program and families.  ·       Thank you for your support during this journey. Wishing you the best in future endeavors.