Anti-Bias Program
Policy
At One World Children’s Centre we believe it is important to plan programs and create a learning environments which support an anti-bias approach.
Great care is taken to ensure all children feel they have the right to participate, by ensuring children of both genders have equal access to all of the activities and equipment provided. The use of multicultural, non gender bias, equipment also reinforces our anti-bias approach. Our programs are further supported by the respect, acceptance and co-operation modeled to the children by the staff.
Procedure
Staff will:
- provide a program and environment that is free from bias. For the program to promote to children the importance of showing acceptance of different and diverse cultural practices by developing children’s knowledge of the customs, and celebrations of cultural groups.
- encourage all children to participate in the program, equally by ensuring children of both genders have equal access to all of the activities and equipment provided.
- promote the development of social skills and attitudes, through co-operation and participation.
- find out about the cultural identity of each child and encourage children to learn about other cultures as well as their own. An anti bias approach provides opportunity for children to enhance their own self-esteem, cultural identity and their awareness, concern and respect for others.
- be aware of the expectations that particular cultures may have in relation to the care and education of their child. Parents can offer a multitude of information in cultural beliefs and values, and should share this knowledge with the staff.
- Consider the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of all the children in the program, food taboos and particular likes and dislikes when preparing activities with food
- Be aware of interpretations of body language which may vary across cultures
- Integrate multicultural materials into the aspects of the program Involving parents where possible through storytelling, dancing, singing, play a musical instrument, cooking and helping with the maintenance and development of children’s home language.
- show an interest in other cultures including those represented in the group. Whether they are children from other cultural backgrounds it is immaterial to the introduction of a multicultural program as all children need to come to terms with and understand the society in which they live. In Australia our society is multi-ethnic with many cultures represented.
- pronounce and spell children’s names correctly.
- find out which festivals are important to children in the group.
- use resources from the children and families
- use the centre’s books, posters and other resources within the program
Resource
Exploring Multiculturalism, Anti Bias and Social Justice In Children’s Services by Miriam Giugni
Louise Derman Sparks; Anti Bias Curriculum - Tools For Empowering Young Children
Source
National Accreditation Council, Putting Children First Issue 14 June 2005
www.cscentral.org.au/resources/exploring-multiculturalism
Exploring Multiculturalism, Anti Bias and Social Justice In Children’s Services by Miriam Giugni
Anti-Bias Connection June 2005
One world for Children Parent Handbook, 2009
national network for child care, 2010 (analyze Classroom for Anti-Bias Approach