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Inclusion of children from CALD backgrounds
“Educators who are culturally competent respect multiple cultural ways of knowing, seeing and living, celebrate the benefits of diversity and have an ability to understand and honour differences.” (Early Years Learning Framework, p.16)
Providing culturally inclusive care environments
Building strong and respectful relationships with children and their families is foundational for providing a learning environment where children feel a sense of belonging and are free to learn, explore and grow. Developing authentic relationships with children and families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds involves understanding the unique nature, culture and home language of each family.
We can fall into the trap of thinking that all children and families who share a particular cultural heritage have similar beliefs, values and expectations but this is not the case. Getting to know each child and family is the only way to have a genuine understanding about what is important to them, as well as understanding their expectations about their child’s learning.
Culturally competent educators recognise that each child and family brings with them a set of beliefs, ideals and lived experiences that influence the way they perceive and interact with ECEC services. This understanding ensures that interactions with children are meaningful, programmes are not tokenistic and policies reflect our diverse communities. To be culturally competent educators, we need to grow in our understanding about how our own culture and beliefs influence our attitudes, perceptions and practice.
Resources
Creating a culturally and linguistically diverse setting
A flowchart of reflective questions relating to culturally sensitive practices for educators to consider.
How to support children and families from a refugee background
A flowchart of supports available with contact details and web-links.
One Centre Many Languages
A set of visual posters for care environment learning centres that promote and support multi-literacy inclusive practices.
To find out more please contact your local
Inclusion Agency Hub
.