Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood Education

New and experienced early childhood educators learn to develop an awareness and appreciation of differences and the confidence to apply culturally competent teaching practices to ensure optimal development for each child and family.

This text presents a social justice perspective on developing early childhood professionals’ cultural competence and ability to engage children in exploring and appreciating diversity. It couples essential foundational knowledge and definitions about diversity with clear applications for engaging in culturally responsive practices with children, families, and colleagues. New and experienced early childhood educators embark on a reflective journey to explore personal attitudes and values related to human diversity and culturally competent teaching, while learning to identify, explain, and use effective strategies for supporting and celebrating diverse children and families.

Three overarching themes run throughout the text–self, others, and group–and reflective activities prompt readers to understand their own biases, background experiences, and values. Interactive experiences prompt readers to explore others’ similarities and differences. Also included are instructional strategies that promote belonging and partnership among groups of children, professionals, and families in various early childhood settings.

An ideal blend of theory and practice gives new and experienced early childhood teachers the tools they need to meet the challenges of diversity in today’s classrooms head on.