One hope…
The rules and guidelines set by the lawmakers and policy makers concerning childcare and early education is still very driven by the dominant culture. It is difficult to meet the needs of a community of families of diverse backgrounds and meet all the requirements outlined by the governing bodies. “Parents’ views must be listened to if programmes are to meet local approval” (Woodhead and Oates, 2010) however parents are not directly involved in the policy making concerning the rules that guide young children’s education. Here in North Carolina, the Department of Public Instruction and the Division of Child Development and Early Education have public forum and open opportunities in the state capital to allow the public to voice their opinions about new and existing policy. I have yet to hear of parents attending such meetings or providing much influence over such policy decisions. Usually the parent involvement comes long after an unfavorable policy has already been enforced. My hope is that parents would sacrifice their time and energy to truly make a difference. I hope that as parents we will feel that we have a voice and that there would be more diversity among policy makers that will represent the people, children and families that are being served. My hope is that I will learn to be such an advocate that will bring more diversity and anti-biased views to the education of young children.
The rules and guidelines set by the lawmakers and policy makers concerning childcare and early education is still very driven by the dominant culture. It is difficult to meet the needs of a community of families of diverse backgrounds and meet all the requirements outlined by the governing bodies. “Parents’ views must be listened to if programmes are to meet local approval” (Woodhead and Oates, 2010) however parents are not directly involved in the policy making concerning the rules that guide young children’s education. Here in North Carolina, the Department of Public Instruction and the Division of Child Development and Early Education have public forum and open opportunities in the state capital to allow the public to voice their opinions about new and existing policy. I have yet to hear of parents attending such meetings or providing much influence over such policy decisions. Usually the parent involvement comes long after an unfavorable policy has already been enforced. My hope is that parents would sacrifice their time and energy to truly make a difference. I hope that as parents we will feel that we have a voice and that there would be more diversity among policy makers that will represent the people, children and families that are being served. My hope is that I will learn to be such an advocate that will bring more diversity and anti-biased views to the education of young children.
One goal…
After taking this course on anti-biased education concerning young children and myself, my next goal is to continue to uncover my own biases. I think that I hold biases that are embedded and engrained in me through my family culture and my heritage. I would like to be a true role model who is able to demonstrate acceptance and tolerance in all situations.
After taking this course on anti-biased education concerning young children and myself, my next goal is to continue to uncover my own biases. I think that I hold biases that are embedded and engrained in me through my family culture and my heritage. I would like to be a true role model who is able to demonstrate acceptance and tolerance in all situations.
Thanks…
I truly appreciate the transparency of my classmates as we exposed our biases throughout this course. These conversations can be very sensitive but we have been able to learn from each other in a very tasteful manner. I have especially enjoyed the articles in “Rethinking Early Childhood Education” (Pelo, 2008) the as early childhood educators share their experiences and offer ways of dealing with issues of diversity. Thank you all for helping me walk through this journey to becoming the best educator that I can be and toward becoming an unbiased individual.
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). "Moving Forward: Keeping the Work Going [Audio Recording]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/CH/mm/audio_player/index_week8.html
Pelo, A. (Ed.) (2008). Rethinking early childhood education. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools.
Woodhead, M., & Oates, J. (Eds.) (2010). Early childhood in focus 6: Culture and Learning.Milton Keynes: The Open University. Retrieved from http://www.bernardvanleer.org/Culture-and-learning.
I truly appreciate the transparency of my classmates as we exposed our biases throughout this course. These conversations can be very sensitive but we have been able to learn from each other in a very tasteful manner. I have especially enjoyed the articles in “Rethinking Early Childhood Education” (Pelo, 2008) the as early childhood educators share their experiences and offer ways of dealing with issues of diversity. Thank you all for helping me walk through this journey to becoming the best educator that I can be and toward becoming an unbiased individual.
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). "Moving Forward: Keeping the Work Going [Audio Recording]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/CH/mm/audio_player/index_week8.html
Pelo, A. (Ed.) (2008). Rethinking early childhood education. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools.
Woodhead, M., & Oates, J. (Eds.) (2010). Early childhood in focus 6: Culture and Learning.Milton Keynes: The Open University. Retrieved from http://www.bernardvanleer.org/Culture-and-learning.