What I Have Learned

Anti-bias education thus strengthens the possibilities for early childhood care and education programs to implement the profession’s commitment to foster development of the whole child. It supports children in developing fuller, truer understanding of themselves and the world and strengthens their sense of themselves as being capable and empowered to make “unfair” things “fair”. In turn, these social, emotional, and cognitive abilities increase the likelihood that children will be able to navigate the larger worlds of school and their communities constructively and effectively, regardless of experiences they have there. (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards 2010 p.17).

  Through the different topics that I read through, I have learned that the emotional and social development of children all comes down to their knowledge of self and others. Creating an affirmed environment that welcomes children irrespective of who they are, abilities, where they come from, their believes and social economic status comes down to acceptance, tolerance and being responsive.

  One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is creating an affirmed early childhood environment where I will be able to teach children how to respect individuality, different abilities, cultures and family structures. A place where children can easily assimilate and feel welcomed in order for them to develop, socialize and get to their fullest potential.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to keep creating the awareness of the benefits we all can derive from knowing more about diversity, teaching about diversity in schools and embracing diversity can do to our immediate community and the world at large and the same goes for equity and social justice.

  It has been an educative eight weeks, a memorable one with the help of all my colleagues, I want to say a big thank you to all of you, for the great support you have given to me in one way or another. Wishing you all the best of luck as you continue in the journey of embracing and teaching diversity. Wishing you all a happy holiday.

Reference:

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).