Duration: 2 hours

Our children are growing up in a diverse society. Research reveals they are aware, at three and four years of age and sometimes earlier, of ethnic, racial, gender, language and physical differences. They notice differences and similarities as part of their natural developmental process and assimilate positive and negative, spoken and unspoken messages about difference. These influences are part of the child’s development of self-identity and self-esteem.

Early learning educators must recognize, respect and celebrate diversity. They have a responsibility to help children build a foundation for the acceptance of diversity. 

This interactive workshop challenges participants to reflect on how as early learning educators they define diversity, what presence does it have in their own lives and what role does it play in the early learning environment? Participants will explore their own values and attitudes in relationship to diversity and equality to better understand who they are and recognize that they impart attitudinal information to children.