One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that they gain a wealth of knowledge from one another in an effort to communicate and appreciate what each culture has to contribute not only to the children but to our community as a whole.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues if diversity, equity, and social justice would be to implement a program mandating ALL staff to participate in an initial training upon hire (just like CPR) that teaches diversity, equity, and social justice awareness. Annual required training in the form of workshops, college courses, or research that involves staff actually providing a presentation for their peers and open to families to participate as well. I believe this effort would possibly change the minds, stereotypes, and assumptions that people harbor as it relates to diversity.
Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful colleagues for their encouraging and continued support during discussions and blog assignments in this course. Each of you provided useful information that I will implement into my work as it relates to building relationships with my staff, the children, and their families that I adore and respect.
Educationally.
Shelita
Shelita
ReplyDeleteI think the mandatory training for teachers is a wonderful way to begin to make some positive strides towards helping people understand diversity, equity and social justice. Even though we are in different groups for this class, it is always a pleasure reading your posts.
Shelita,
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea with the mandatory training; like our "ALICE" trainings that we go through now for intruders, I believe all staff should be exposed to a training regarding diversity---and for all staff in the beginning, and continual in the following years. Great thought!
Kate