Last Post for Perspectives on Equity and Diversity

One hope that I have regarding working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that the need for staff development in the areas of equity and diversity will be recognized. I think that the more education we have in these area, the better our mastery of the language associated with issues of diversity and equity. Familiarity with the language of diversity  and equity begets more conversations about these topics. An increase in conversation leads to an increase in familiarity and comfort with these issues. If we are comfortable addressing issues associated with diversity and equity, the children will also be comfortable with these topics. This is the first step toward  greater equity and a greater enjoyment of diversity for upcoming generations.

A goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is for character education to be included in all early childhood curricula. Character education teaches children how to behave ethically in society. Ethical behavior and compassion are two essential qualities of responsible, socially conscious citizens.

Thank you, dear colleagues, for your support, frank opionions, feedback and for sharing your experiences. I think that, although I have been in classes with some of you since the beginning of our degree program, that we have gotten to know one another exponentially in this class. I wish you luck in your future endeavors.

A New Student from India

I will have a new child in the program from India

Preparation:

1-Make contact with the family – When a child enters a program at the early childhood center where I work, the question, “What is the best way to contact your family?” is always asked. This is how we learn which forms of contact are comfortable, accessible and acceptable to the family.

2-Ask questions-What language is spoken in the home? What is the composition of the family within the household? Who makes the decision in the house? What is the family’s religious affiliation? Are there any dietary or limitations or restrictions? What are the family’s expectations regarding the child’s education? What is the level of involvement that the family would like to have in their child’s education?

3- Research further based upon the information provided by the family- How is respect conveyed between teachers and children in their culture? What rituals can be worked into the day to help the child feel more comfortable? What are the rituals surrounding mealtimes, rest time?

4-Provide information to the rest of the staff at the center-Before a new child arrives at the center, an email is sent to all staff that delineates all of the information that the staff needs to know about the child and family. If necessary, conduct an in-service in order to educate the staff about the particulars of the family’s culture.

5- Include artifacts, literature, props and materials in the classroom that relate to the child’s culture- Based upon the information derived from the research and the conversations with the family, search for and include items in each of the classroom centers that will be familiar to the child and items that will also reflect the child’s culture.

6-Speak with the students about the new child and provide any information that will help the children to make friends and relate to the child- It is important to include the children in the classroom in the arrival of the new child. Preparing them for the child’s arrival will ease tensions on the first day and give the children information that will allow them start a conversation with the new child.

I think that these preparations will benefit the staff in that we will know what to expect from the family and child on that important first day. Also, it will allow us to serve the family in whatever way they need us. Preparation will help the child in that, hopefully, he will feel more comfortable in his new environment. The children in his class will be more likely to approach and befriend him if they are included in the preparation and have information about the new student. The preparation will help the family in that they will feel valued, empowered and respected by the staff because time has been taken to learn about them and accommodate them.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

You may have read about my most recent experience with prejudice, bias and oppression on one of the recent discussion boards. This summer, I attended a [voluntary] family picnic for the center at which I am employed. It was 99 degrees F, so I drove back to the center to pick up our kidwash sprinkler so that the children could cool off. While I was assembling the kidwash, my supervisor's supervisor spied my tattooed arms. Unbeknownst to me at the time, she'd had a visceral reaction to my tattoos. Several days later, at the end of the day, I was called to my supervisor's supervisor's office. This was never a good thing, since she is not the type of person to commend people, however, I did not know what the problem could possibly be. Once in her office, she began to tell me that she felt that I must be not want to be in the field of early childhood because I had tattoos. She also characterized me as depressed and self-destructive. She never asked to look more closely at my tattoos or inquired as to why I had decided to get them. I could not believe that this was happening at the time. There was and still is no policy regarding tattoos or piercings at my workplace. Honestly, if I'd had a recording device or a witness, I would have filed a complaint with the Human Resources Department. Since my supervisor's supervisor is one of the owners of the company, it's not likely that I would have gotten anywhere.
     This incident caused me to feel unfairly judged and marginalized. I felt that all of my hard work throughout the four years that I have been employed at the center was completely nullified simply because I have tattoos. I felt that I was instantly demoted as a life form in her eyes because I have ink decorating my skin. Initially, I felt surprised and dumbfounded. I did not know what to say. Now, about 6 months later, I have completely lost any feelings of basic respect for this woman. I feel that she behaved as a bully. I am still very angry about the incident. Any encounters that I must have with her are mechanical, impersonal and robotically polite on my end. She is overly friendly, but has never apologized and probably never will. I believe that this woman's attitude (and that of conservative society) will have to change in order to refrain from judging people based upon their looks. While tattoos were once only found only on prisoners and in freak shows, they are now commonplace and part of a prevalent culture. I think, that, for my part, I should confront this woman in order to facilitate a learning experience for her and a better understanding of the source of her prejudice for me.