Teaching Respect, Inclusion, and Acceptance in Ethnically and Culturally Diverse Early Childhood Classrooms

The teacher in a diverse early childhood classroom is an influential force in setting the tone and level of inclusivity in the school. A teacher may be well traveled, knows more than one or two languages, and has a history of exposure to different cultures through food, conversations, and lifestyle. However, cultural knowledge is not enough to ensure that a teacher will be culturally responsive in the classroom.

Teachers need to be able to couple this knowledge with the ability to be reflective and critical of their current practice as well as the courage to look closely at and deconstruct their many taken-for-granted classroom management routines and strategies done year after year – a process that is very uncomfortable for many educators.

To develop reflective thinking on practice.

To construct new knowledge and practices when working in a diverse early childhood classroom.

To increase the ability to be culturally responsive.

To increase the level of inclusivity in the classroom.