The Importance Of Diversity And Difference In Early Childhood Education

Robinson and Jones Diaz (2006) explain that all educators take a reflexive approach to their practices with children and families, and this is a crucial starting point for ensuring social justice. In early childhood education institutions, we should actively recognise and acknowledge openly addressing any inequalities that affect marginalised groups. The ‘diversity and difference’ subject has given me the opportunity to explore and analyse social justice concepts in depth and its importance in early childhood education. Cultural plunges challenged my personal beliefs and biased views towards a particular community to create a positive attitude towards cultural practices and skills for interactions across all cultures. It explains the topic of social order, sense of otherness and power relations that currently exists in society, how it persists based on their culture, ethnicity, gender, income, sexuality, ability, disability and religion. It gives thorough understanding of how educators transfer their own perceptions of race, ethnicity and power

It is important to understand that all children develop and learn in unique ways and have unique learning dispositions, strengths, abilities and interests educators value and respect their differences and do everything they can to include every child fully to support their learning and development. To achieve this outcome it is important that the physical environment includes images of children and families in a respectful manner that reflects diversity and acknowledges difference. Providing a curriculum that encourages children based on children’s interests and daily life experiences which promotes critical thinking of what they believe is right and