Diversity in Daycare Settings

How diversity in daycare settings can create unique childcare experiences.

Daycare facilities that care for children in large groups can show great diversity among individual children. Children may be biracial, multiracial, bilingual, adopted or have special needs. Daycare providers in quality childcare settings work with these differences on a daily basis. They carefully try to integrate the group to create an environment in which each child's uniqueness is celebrated.

Even the most qualified and loving daycare providers may experience challenges when integrating a diverse group. An even greater challenge arises when daycare providers who have not been raised in a diverse or culturally enriched environment attempt to pull things together with little firsthand experience. Approaching the issue of diversity may not be easy for everyone but activities that promote inclusion and self-awareness have shown to work in diverse settings.

Expose children to the idea of diversity by introducing new activities that they would not typically do at home. For instance give children an opportunity to taste and prepare different foods such as Indian roti, Chinese noodles and Spanish arepas. In the dramatic play area have several samples of fabric so that children can create and wear their own ethnic creations. Encourage children to make unique crafts that celebrate cultural traditions around the world such as cards depicting the Indian festival of lights, and the Chinese new year.

Read books that show children of different ethnic backgrounds performing tasks such as bathing in rivers and under standpipes and discuss these different approaches to bath time. If there is a child with special needs, read books that show other challenged children performing a variety of tasks. Ask the children to point out differences in the way the task is performed. Have the children observe each other's eye, skin, and hair colors and emphasize that everyone is special and unique, and that those differences are to be celebrated.

Encourage integration in the classroom by developing a strong parent-provider relationship. Many parents with diverse backgrounds can help educate daycare providers about their child's own cultural traditions and ethnic foods. Establishing great parental rapport can help daycare providers create unique preschool themes and curriculum ideas that enrich daycare experiences for all children.

Nicole Brekelbaum, Pflugerville, TX www.youngachieversinc.com Nicole Brekelbaum is the director at Young Achievers Inc. - A home-based learning center for aspiring youth located in Pflugerville, Texas. She has been providing childcare in her home since her career switch from working engineer to childcare director and mom.

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