Inclusion policy.

Aim

To implement a curriculum which recognises the diversity of cultures, religious beliefs and needs of everyone who has contact with the centre. The children will be encouraged to respect and be aware of the different beliefs and cultures of other children, families, and educators as well as the differences in family dynamics.

Implementation

• Preparation of a culturally and experientially broad learning environment which allows children to discover differences and similarities in readily apparent, concrete ways.

• Educators will respect the culture, beliefs, needs and feelings of everyone in the centre.

• Differences in family dynamics will be discussed and children encouraged to talk about their families and recognise that not all families are the same or made up of the same people.

• Ensure the physical environment and the program reflects a commitment to an anti-bias curriculum through literature, cooking experiences, the equipment provided, clothing, music, posters planned and incidental activities.

• Encourage and support parent involvement and ideas. Parents from all backgrounds should be welcome to contribute knowledge of their own culture to enhance the children's learning experiences.

• Encourage gender equality and the provision of equal opportunity for all children in a variety of activities.

• Our centre will promote and value cultural diversity and equity for all children, families, and educators from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

• Our centre recognises that children and adults from all cultures have a need for acceptance and that each person is unique and valuable.

• We will develop a positive self-concept for each child and adult in the group by exploring the cultural backgrounds of each family and child.

• We will endeavour to provide a foundation that instils in each child a sense of self identity, dignity, and tolerance for all people.

• We will avoid common stereotypes and recognise individual differences within a cultural or ethnic group and assist wherever possible families who are new to Australia with a transition to a new and different culture.

• Our educators will broaden their own cultural and ethnic group awareness and help children to understand themselves in relation to their family, community, and other cultures.

• Our educators will be actively involved in the development of appropriate resources, support and implement an anti-bias, cross cultural program throughout the Service environment which is reflective of all families/children and the diversity present in Australian society and network with community agencies involved with cross cultural issues wherever possible.

• Our educators will be actively involved with children, showing respect, sharing ideas and experiences, and asking questions.

• We will access and make available resources and information supporting the delivery of anti-bias concepts in the program and attend training courses as required. Such resources will be integrated into the daily program and be made available to families.

• We will reflect on the service's philosophy and ensure that practices and attitudes concur with the philosophy.

• Through our daily program the children will listen to music and practice singing songs in different languages. They will learn words and phrases in a language not native to children in their group and will talk to other children using the words from their culture where appropriate. The children will be encouraged to become independent wherever possible and be actively involved with their peers.

• Our centre will encourage children to develop autonomy, independence, competency, confidence, and pride.

• Children whose developing attitudes are influenced towards a positive view of diversity will acquire: -

- an awareness of the culture, beliefs, and experiences of others.

- a greater capacity to communicate.

- an increased ability and willingness to co-operate.

- a growing sense of social responsibility.

- a sense of personal identity and self-confidence.

Explanation

Our Centre recognises that Australia is a multi-cultural society composed of people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, beliefs, family compositions and experiences. Our aim is to foster an awareness and acceptance of other cultures and family dynamics in the children based on the integration of all aspects of the program. The program actively attempts to counter much of the misinformation about different cultures that can lead to exclusion of some and racism.

Source: National Quality Standard

Education and Care Services National Regulations

Early Years Learning Framework

KU Inclusion Support Services

This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.