Diversity in Early Care and Education (formerly Multicultural Issues In Child Care) explores the rich diversity encountered in programs and environments for children ages birth to 8, including those serving children with special needs. The emphasis is on the practical and immediate concerns of the early childhood professional and family service worker, though all information has strong theoretical support.

"Roots and Wings will open doors to beginners in cultural diversity education, and will enrich the more experienced readers. It is a grand tool for assisting early childhood educators to address the many-faceted and complex issues of cultural diversity and racial prejudice. . . . I recommend this book to any teacher, caregiver, or parent who wants to begin learning what it means to foster young children’s respect for themselves and others."—Louise Derman-Sparks, author, AntiBias CurriculumMore than a decade ago, Roots and Wings was published as the first practical resource for early childhood teachers on the then new topic of multicultural education. This invaluable guide is now completely updated to respond to present day anti-bias issues in educating young children. Roots and Wings provides a thorough, clear, and practical introduction to working with diverse children and families in early childhood settings. With more than 100 new and revised activities, practical examples, and staff training recommendations, the revised edition includes new chapters on bilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, and children and prejudice. Seamlessly blending theory and practice, Roots and Wings is an ideal resource for preschool teachers, early childhood programs at colleges and universities, and training workshops. Stacey York is an instructor in the Child Development Department at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis, Minnesota. She conducts multicultural workshops around the country and is also the author of Big As Life: The Everyday Inclusive Curriculum.

"What is the state of multicultural education in child care centres in Western European countries? What should multicultural education in these centres look like? These are the two key questions addressed in this book. In this study the authors have analysed the state of multicultural education in child care centres in the Netherlands, England, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France and Spain. The main situation considered here is the Netherlands where the recent and rapid growth of the number of child care centres, together with the growing numbers of immigrant children visiting these centres, have given a strong impetus to concerns about the quality of centre education from a multicultural perspective." "For centre staff, sensitive responses towards children and parents, as well as parental involvement, have become essential for managing cultural diversity in a way beneficial for both migrant and indigenous families. It is argued that defining and improving the quality of centre education from a multicultural perspective require discussions between staff and parents about educational goals and the means to achieve them. The book gives recommendations for improving the relationship between staff and parents by way of consensus building about these aims."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This volume emphasizes the importance of utilizing a pro-active, strengths-based practice strategy in working with multi-culturally diverse children, youth, families, organizations and communities.

Noting that the concept of America as a "melting pot" ignores the differences that make individuals unique, this book provides a perspective of how culture influences life in the classroom, and the importance of maintaining culture in the lives of young children by means of multicultural education. The book provides over 60 hands-on activities for children that shape respectful attitudes toward cultural differences, and examples of ways culture affects behavior and routines in the classroom, including strategies for responding in respectful ways, ideas for integrating cultural awareness, and recommendations for staff training in multicultural education. Chapter one provides an introduction to the book and a rationale for multicultural education. Chapter two provides a definition of multicultural education, its importance, and goals. Chapter three provides guidance in "implementing multicultural education," while chapter four addresses integrating multiculturalism in the teaching and classroom environment. Chapter five provides "activities for teaching children about culture" in areas such as skin color, physical characteristics, similarities and differences, and social skills. Chapter six provides ideas for using "holidays and celebrations" in multicultural education. Chapter seven addresses "children's awareness of differences," including cultural awareness and prejudice formation. Chapter eight addresses "culturally responsive care and education" and describes culturally related child rearing patterns and dealing with ongoing problems. Chapter nine addresses"talking to children about differences" as empowering and as an agent of change. (Author/SD)

How can early childhood practitioners best respond to cultural and linguistic diversity and ensure positive interactions with all children and families? Discover the power of Skilled Dialogue, a unique, effective, and field-tested model for interactions that honour the cultural beliefs and values of everyone involved. Going far beyond the fundamentals introduced in the first edition of this book, the fully updated second edition incorporates expanded coverage of today's most critical topics and reflects the real-world feedback of seasoned Skilled Dialogue users. With this proven model for respectful, reciprocal, and responsive communications, pre- and inservice educators and interventionists will: understand culture as a dynamic that shapes the behaviours and beliefs of all people; actively communicate respect for what others believe, think, and value; resolve issues creatively by integrating diverse perspectives from all parties; strengthen inclusive assessment and instruction; reframe differences between practitioners and families as complementary, not contradictory; avoid stereotypes based on culture and ethnicity; and gain critical insight into the effects of trauma and how it interacts with culture. To support professionals as they put Skilled Dialogue into practice, this edition includes explicit guidance, vivid examples, and practical reproducible forms to aid with assessment, instruction, and organization of key family and child information. With this comprehensive guide to a positive, highly effective model, early childhood professionals will establish skillful interactions that honour all cultures and perspectives, leading to stronger working relationships and better outcomes for families.