Professional Hope and Goals

I have enjoyed our class this semester!  I have learned a lot of new things about myself, how others are perceived, and how my biases affect my work with young children and families.

When I think about working with young children and families from different backgrounds, my ultimate goal is that I always embody the spirit of diversity, equity, and justice.  I want the families that I work with to feel welcomed and understood by me and by all of the teachers and staff that work in my childcare center.  I want them to be able to freely share their experiences in a loving and non-threatening environment.

One of my goals for the early childhood field is that teachers would be required to read our anti-bias education text book before they enter the field.  I wish I that I had been given the opportunity to read this material before I ever stepped foot in an early childhood classroom.

To my colleagues, I wish you the best of success in your future work with children and families.  I would also like to thank you all for your words of encouragement, wisdom, and respect during this class.  It was an awesome experience to share this class with all of you.

Regards,
Monette

Welcoming Families From Around The World

In my scenario this week, my family will hail from Sao Tome, which is a located near the Equator. 

5 ways that I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family:

1. Research the different languages that are spoken in Sao Tome and try to learn a few introductory words or phrases.  Also try to find someone that speaks the language and who may be able to help me communicate with the family.
2. Learn about the economic conditions of the country and the area of the country that my family is from.  Try to find out what type of work the family was involved in before they left Sao Tome and offer support as they transition to the job climate in America.  It will be important to learn how they view work and the different family responsibilities as related to work.
3. Research the education system and determine if the family has been involved in any type of early childhood education program prior to immigrating to America.  When meeting with the family discuss their educational experiences and expectations and how I can best support their ideals and goals for their child and family.
4. Talk with them about their family relationships and how their family relationships work.  I would ask about intergenerational relationships as well as the role of children in their culture.
5. I would reflect on any biases that I might have that would hinder my relationship with the family and work on ways to overcome the biases.

By trying to have a deeper understanding of the family’s culture and finding ways to communicate with them and learn about their goals, values, and ideals, I believe that I would be able to convey to them that I want to serve their child and family in the best way possible.  I think that I would be able to help them become more comfortable with our culture and they would be able to teach me a lot about their culture.  Win! Win!

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I want to share a story of prejudice that still breaks my heart when I think of it.  When a young man that I know was 16 he started dating a young woman from his class.  I was not surprised when they started dating because they had been friends for several years.  During the second month that they were dating he came to talk to me and was very upset.  Her family had found out they were dating and were very upset.  They stated that they liked the young man but did not want their daughter to date him; he was white and she was black and they did not allow her to date outside of her race.  He was very upset and did not understand why they had always been fine with them being friends but were upset about the dating relationship.  He honored their wishes and stopped dating their daughter but he was very heartbroken.  The two went off to college and eventually found others to love.  He has often told me that he still regrets not continuing their relationship and that he has never loved anyone in quite the same way.

I believe that this particular instance of bias diminished equity because it told two young people that they could not be involved because they were not of the same race.  I did not matter that they were both good students, never got in any trouble, and had been friends for years.  I still do not understand why a parent would not want their child to date someone who they liked and knew was a good person, just because of the color of their skin.  I was very upset when this situation occurred and I was glad that the young man felt he could talk to me but I didn't really know how to help him.  He talked to her parents several times, but to no avail.

I think that in order for this incident to turn into an opportunity for greater equity, the young man and woman involved would need to stop the cycle of racism.  I think this could be accomplished by making sure that as they raise their own families that they encourage their children to accept people for who they are and to support their dating choices based on merit, not race.

What do you think?

Thanks for reading!
Monette