The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I hope to help families from diverse backgrounds feel welcome in my classroom. I want these families to feel like they can be themselves and that they are receiving the support they need in order to be successful. Coming from a different culture can be overwhelming and terrifying which is why I want these families to at least feel welcome in school.

The goal I would like to set for the early childhood field in relation to the issue of diversity, equity, and social justice is to be more aware of the diversity, equity issues, and social justice within the early childhood setting/ program. Issues relating to these topics are often overlooked and if they are addressed in early childhood then hopefully these children can grow up in a society with less discrimination and prejudice. Derman- Sparks and Edwards shared their vision that “all children are able to blossom, and each child’s particular abilities and gifts are able to flourish in this world” (P.2). This vision should be the goal of every early childcare program to allow children to feel comfortable and welcome who they truly are.

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to each discussion post and blog comments. I have enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories from their personal life and I appreciate the openness and acceptance expressed. Having the opportunity to learn from one another has allowed me to be successful within this class, but also within my professional setting. I look forward to working with many of you in future classes!

Reference 

Derman- Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti- bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).