Children’s identity and their family and cultural histories shape their learning and development.
Children feel welcome and learn well when professionals respect and acknowledge their unique identity. Values and attitudes, understandings of community and individual, and ways of communicating and behaving, all impact on children’s sense of belonging and acceptance. When children experience acknowledgement of and respect for diversity, their sense of identity becomes stronger. VEYLDF p.12
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Description
In order to fulfill each child’s right to fully participate in the early years service they attend, it is important to recognise and nurture each child’s sense of belonging to their family and community as well as the service. When children experience acknowledgement of and respect for diversity, their sense of identity becomes stronger.
This COP reflects on how we can promote equitable opportunities for children to ensure that the interests, abilities and culture of every child and their family are understood and valued.
Elements to investigate will be directed by participants, some possibilities may include:
- How can I ensure children’s cultural and everyday traditions and routines inform practice in a meaningful way?
- How can I support children who do not share my language to feel safe and develop a sense of belonging and connection to the service?
- I’d like to support children’s understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being without being tokenistic, where do I start?