"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It's easy to say 'It's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.' Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." Fred Rogers
Self-reflection and knowing who you are is a good starting point for working collaboratively with all families. How are you unique? How have you grown to be who you are? What do you value? What are your perspectives on children and their families?
|
The family members you work with will be different from you.
Many points of view exist on any given topic related to children and what is best for them.
While individuals often engage in trying to convince others to take their position, there is also value in hearing and understanding multiple perspectives, particularly when making decisions. It will be important for you to reflect on how you form your opinions and make decisions.
|
|
Optional Online Resources for Further Study
|
|
Honoring all children’s race, religion, culture, gender, physical ability and family structure All children develop within and are influenced by their social and cultural experiences. Because cultural diversity is the norm in America, children must learn to function in and appreciate a diverse cultural society. Young children need to develop a positive sense of their own identity. This identity is shaped by many factors including their gender, race, cultural and family background, language, religion, abilities, life experiences and circumstances. They will need to develop respect and appreciation for other people with ideas and experiences that are different from their own. Classroom materials and equipment need to portray diverse, non-stereotyping images of cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, age, gender, family structures and other ability differences. Note: Quality child care programs create an understanding of and responsiveness to cultural and linguistic diversity by providing an anti-biased curriculum (Derman-Sparks & ABC Task Force, 1989). An anti-bias curriculum and program actively promote the elimination of unfair beliefs, attitudes, and actions."
|
|