5.4 Chapter Conclusion
Ninderjit Kaur Gill
Summary
We discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion in early learning settings. The details within these topics included societal issues, identities, bias, and cultural identity development. The information presented influences our teaching and program practices, along with ways to engage in anti-bias work. Diversity is more than just being different from someone. It requires a commitment to learn about our own diversity and how it influences our teaching. Equity is more than trying to treat everyone fairly. We have a responsibility to understand that not everyone has had the same opportunities, so we have a responsibility to ensure that all children have access. Inclusion is not just making everyone feel welcome. It requires us to take an active role in engaging and integrating children and their families’ diversity into our programs intentionally.
By centering our teaching around diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are focusing on the holistic development of every child. We hope that this chapter motivates and inspires early childhood educators to learn more about the children and families in their programs and strive to work with them in a culturally responsive and sustaining way. Every interaction we engage in with children can influence their memories, cultural and social development, and ideas about how they fit into this world. We have the responsibility to ensure that every single child feels welcomed as a valuable part of the learning community. In order to ensure that children meet their fullest potential, it is vital that we continue to study, reflect, and act to address diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Review Questions
- Define diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Describe why these concepts are important to know as an early childhood educator.
- What are your social identities, and how do or did they impact your work as a teacher?
- What is the cycle of socialization?
- Define bias and anti-bias.
- What are some ways that you can be anti-bias?
- How do you see privilege and oppression in your classroom?
- How can you create opportunities for all children to succeed?
- What is culturally sustaining care?