Professional Hopes and Goals

Professional Hopes and Goals

Diversity is about how we differ. Diversity is about one another’s uniqueness~ Ola Joseph

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that children and families are respected for their diversity. Each child and family should feel comfortable and good about whom they are as a person.  Diversity and multicultural education must occur all the time in early childhood programs. A high quality early childhood programs plays a critical role in supporting children and families. As a professional in early childhood it is important to study the nature of our social identities and their link with diversity because our various identities are important aspects of ourselves that shape our attitudes, behaviors, worldviews and experiences.

My goal I would like to set for the early childhood field in relations to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to create an anti-bias learning community. If people create a society that doesn’t see difference and diversity as problems, but as valuable social growth, many causes of conflict disappear. Ensuring that every family feels welcome and comfortable creates a crucial foundation for mutually respectful relationships (Derman-Sparks & Edwards).

I would like to thank my colleagues for sharing their great insights in this course. Studying diversity has helped me learn about my own social identities and background. I wish everyone much success in their future classes and on this early childhood journey.

Reference

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

    ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).