Hopes, Dreams and Thanks

Respect - To feel or show honor or esteem for; hold in high regard.

One hope I have for myself as I think about my work with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I always approach it with respect.

Inch by Inch - Row by Row - Going to Make This Garden Grow

Louise Derman-Sparks mentioned the song Inch by Inch when describing the work it takes to become an anti-bias educator and the need to persist through challenging times (Derman-Sparks, & Edwards, 2010).

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to diversity, equity and social justice is  to be persistent so that anti-bias and equitable schools and classrooms are the norm not the exception and that all early childhood professionals find the passion to become outspoken advocates so that we can reach this goal.

Thanks

I would like to take a moment to thank my colleagues from the Perspective, Diversity and Equity class.  The stories you have shared and the deep thought you put into your work has contributed to my growth as a person and an early childhood professional.  I also want to thank Dr. Johnna Darragh-Ernst for the thoughtful feedback and occasional push to take this journey as far as I could in 8 weeks.  I could not have made so much forward progress without all of you.  I look forward to working with each of you in the future.  

Good Luck on your continued journey

Sincerely,

Betsy Carlin

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Welcoming Families From Around the World - Mauritania

I am the director of a hospital affiliated child care center.  I have received word that we have enrolled a new child whose family has just immigrated from Mauritania.  I have never heard of the country of Mauritania so I have some work to do before and as we welcome the new family.

Before the family arrives:

1) I will find Mauritania on a map to determine where in the world it is.

2) I will do an Internet search to determine the languages used in Mauritania.  I will need to determine the dominant language and if there are other commonly used languages.  Using this information I will attempt to find a translating service that can translate our required paperwork into the language used in Mauritania. Understanding the family may prefer to receive information in spoken form I will also locate a person to act as an interpreter.

3) I will do some reading about Mauritania to gain some current and historical context of the country. I will also read about common education practices in the country.  

4) I will create a list of common words and phrases used in Mauritania for the teachers to use with the new child.

When I meet the family:

5) I will hold a meeting with the family including an interpreter to welcome and get to know the family.   I will ask them about their hopes and dreams for their child as they enter the new learning environment.  I will ask about the child's strengths and challenges, like and dislikes, and other information they believe is important.  

6) I will take a photo of the family to post in our family exhibition.  I will ask the family to share with us photos of the child they have from home.  

7) I will ask the family how they prefer to get and share information.

8) I will schedule a home visit so to connect with the family in an informal setting where they may be more comfortable to gain  knowledge of student's home life and cultural background.

9) I will invite the family to come spend time in the classroom with the teacher and other children to begin to learn about our school and support their child's transition to the new environment.  

10) I will make sure the family knows about and is invited to our family - school learning nights so they may begin to be a part of the school family and learn about the program and practices we embrace.  

11) I will connect with family both formally and informally at regular intervals to continue to build a positive relationship and make sure their needs are being met. 

It is my hope that through preparation and communication I will begin to build a trusting respectful relationship with the family from Mauritania so that together we can support their child's transition into a new environment.  I hope to act as an escort for the child and their family from their home culture to a place of understanding how to live and function in the education system of the United States so they may thrive and become a productive contributing adult.  

 

  

Micro-aggressions on Television

Parenthood - the television show, has been a favorite in our household since it first aired.  This past Tuesday evening we finally had a little extra time after our daughter went to bed to watch the episodes that we had saved on our DVR.  For those who have never seen the show....  It is about a family in Berkley, CA that consists of a couple, their 4 adult children and their spouses, and grandchildren.  One of the couples is biracial and in the first episode of this year they had a second child.  The entire family gathers for dinner shortly after the baby comes home form the hospital.  Upon seeing the new baby 2 of the other family members exclaimed "she is so white".  I immediately looked across the couch and said"that was a micro-aggression toward two of the family members".  I also believe it was a nod to institutionalized bias in our society.

Although the statement did not appear to be said with a malicious intent, I believe the statement marginalizes and puts both the African American Mother of the baby and the first born child who is biracial with a darker skin tone at a disadvantage.  The comment set two family members apart from the rest of the family as different and with a social identity that is at a disadvantage.  When I saw this happen we paused the television and discussed it.  I was particularly concerned about feeling's of the first born and that he would feel inferior and less visible than his sister and the rest of the grandchildren.

The incident was not addressed on the show which I found surprising.  This depiction could have been a teachable moment if one of the characters had called the others out on their damaging comment.  It would have been a great example for the viewing public to see.  I am hoping the writers plan to come back and address this situation on a future episode.   I will be disappointed if they do not.