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2 Comments

  1. Unknown
    February 22, 2014 @ 10:52

    Tim, thanks again for your thoughtful reflections.

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  2. Gail Mishler
    February 22, 2014 @ 15:09

    Well said. I agree that the children need to see themselves reflected in teaching staff and classroom materials. All School Readiness Pre-K programs must become NAEYC Accredited. The criteria requires "knowing" each student, their family and culture and that teachers make sure students' cultures are represented throughout the environment.
    Criteria Database
    1: Relationships
    1.D – Creating a Predictable, Consistent, and Harmonious Classroom
    1.D.01 – Teaching staff counter potential bias and discrimination by
    a. treating all children with equal respect and consideration.
    b. initiating activities and discussions that build positive self-identity and teach the valuing of differences.
    c. intervening when children tease or reject others.
    d. providing models and visual images of adult roles, differing abilities, and ethnic or cultural backgrounds that counter stereotypical limitations.
    e. avoiding stereotypes in language references.

    2: Curriculum
    2.A – Curriculum: Essential Characteristics
    2.A.08 – Materials and equipment used to implement the curriculum reflect the lives of the children and families as well as the diversity found in society, including
    a. gender,
    b. age,
    c. language, and
    d. abilities.

    Materials and equipment
    e. provide for children's safety while being appropriately challenging.
    f. encourage exploration, experimentation, and discovery.
    g. promote action and interaction.
    h. are organized to support independent use.
    i. are rotated to reflect changing curriculum and accommodate new interests and skill levels.
    j. are rich in variety.
    k. accommodate children's special needs.

    2.J – Curriculum Area for Cognitive Development: Creative Expression and Appreciation for the Arts
    2.J.01 – Children are provided varied opportunities to gain an appreciation of
    a. art,
    b. music,
    c. drama, and
    d. dance
    in ways that reflect cultural diversity.

    2.L – Curriculum Content Area for Cognitive Development: Social Studies
    2.L.03 – Children are provided varied opportunities and materials to build their understanding of diversity in
    a. culture,
    b. family structure,
    c. ability,
    d. language,
    e. age, and
    f. gender
    in non-stereotypical ways.

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