Inclusion of children from CALD backgrounds

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.
 

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