Diversity means that children and families who participate in programs are characterized by different beliefs and practices that affect what they value and want from programs, and for young children, how they develop and learn. Programs thus, must become proficient in responding to these differences as they work together with families to provide experiences to enhance the growth and development of children.
In general this means programs must develop well articulated and defined ways to do two things:
- Find ways to respond positively to the diverse approaches to living and learning that families value
- Teach children to value differences and help them develop positive attitudes about diverse ways of living and learning.
While there are many categories of diversity that should be addressed, the focus of these conversations is the contemporary cultural and racial diversity in the United States.
Broad topics to be explored:
What are cultural and racial diversity and how do the two intersect?
How does culture impact development?
How does one learn to respond appropriately to cultural diversity?