Culture and Diversity External Resources
There’s plenty to acknowledge and celebrate in October!
Are you busy collecting ideas and planning for your CNC program this month? If so, there are a few important days this month that you might want to incorporate and honour to raise awareness in your CNC program and community! October is Canada Library and Fire Prevention month, and there are harvest festivals around the world! Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 9th, and International Day of the Girl Child on the 11th. Diwali is October 20th, Make a Difference Day is October 23rd, and Hallowe'en is on October 31st.
How will you honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) is an opportunity for the CNC community to stand with the Indigenous peoples in Canada, listen, reflect, and learn. To help you acknowledge and honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the children and parents in your program this month, here is a beautiful collection of Anishinaabe nursery rhymes recordings and read-alongs.
What Surrounds Us Shapes Us
Children's development is significantly influenced by their surroundings, encompassing both positive and negative experiences within their living, growing, playing, and learning environments. This includes factors such as access to safe housing, clean water, and green spaces, which not only provide play areas but also support the mental health of children and caregivers.These environmental influences directly and indirectly shape a child's development from birth, impacting their caregivers, communities, and broader relationships. Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University has developed this Expanded Story of Early Child Development. At the bottom of this brief, you can also find explanations of key concept and resource guides on topics like: Developmental Environments, Toxic Stress, Brain Architecture, and Serve and Return.
Exploring Intersectionality, Race, and Developing of Self
Have you watched Exploring Intersectionality, Race, and Developing of Self yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: Brilliant session! I certainly would be interested in hearing more from Tonja Armstrong-MacInnis! I didn’t know much about the factors that contribute to Intersectionality. Thank you so much!
Strengthening Language Development and Cultural Understanding in CNC
Have you signed up for your free account yet at The Source for Learning - ECE? They have a great selection of free training and resources, including this Multilingual Toolkit - a comprehensive starter-kit, guidance and tools to strengthen language development and cultural understanding for all your young learners!
Diversity in Art: Exploring and Implementing Art Strategies in the ECE Classroom
Have you watched Diversity in Art: Exploring and Implementing Art Strategies in the ECE Classroom yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: Today’s training was a masterclass... Amazing ideas and information. Very exciting session, thank you!
Transformative Breakthrough from the Start: Empowering Bilingual Families and Children
Learning a new language and adapting to mainstream customs can be intimidating. In CNC, administrators and SDRs can help set the tone for welcoming newcomer children and families into the programs. This quick article and story offers some lessons learned and things CNC teams can think about to make intentional plans for welcoming newcomer families into their programs.
Kaleidoscope: Where Every Child’s Colours Shine
In our programs, each child brings their own unique colours to our collective story. Like the ever-changing patterns in a kaleidoscope, children bring diverse interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences that create a rich tapestry of learning opportunities. CNC staff have the privilege of witnessing this beautiful diversity every day, but with this privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring every child’s pattern can shine brightly. These articles explore how to create learning environments that amplify every child’s potential, including topics like: The power of hands-on learning and STEM education, Supporting neurodiverse learners, and Building advocacy skills for an inclusive future
Empowering Bilingual Families and Children
CNC programs set the tone for welcoming children and families. CNC administrators are also responsible for supporting CNC staff who deal with the behaviours sometimes seen when children and families enter new settings. Learning a new language and adapting to mainstream customs can be intimidating. Culture shock is a real and powerful experience affecting one’s mental health and overall well-being in ways that are often overlooked. This article offers some lessons learned and some things to think about as we make intentional plans to welcome newcomer families into CNC programs.
WEBINAR – Transforming Challenging Behavior Through Visionary Leadership: The Impact of Culture when Communicating with Staff and Families
Did you see Barbara Kaiser's most recent Early Childhood Investigations webinar? CNC programs are microcosms of the world’s cultures where we find educators, children, families, and administrators from every walk of life who bring a rich tapestry of experiences, values, and norms. This convergence of diverse viewpoints has assets and opportunities for cultural conflict, especially when it comes to children’s behavior. When you know and understand how your culture influences your leadership style – your vision, your expectations, and how you communicate with your staff and the families you are in a better position to work together to support all children. This insightful and enlightening webinar will lead you to explore your cultural influences and how they impact your ability to lead staff, work with families, interpret children’s behaviors, and create a cohesive supportive environment.