ECE 370 - Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood Education

4 credits
Emphasizes the importance of becoming a culturally competent educator able to teach to diverse learning styles, culturally and linguistically diverse learners, children with diverse abilities and from vastly different family backgrounds. Students reflect on their personal biases and deepen their understanding of cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, language, and learning differences in order to create inclusive learning environments, build stronger relationships with students and families, and to adapt their teaching practices to meet the needs of each learner. Aspects of diversity are explored including economic/social class, sex, gender identity, race/ethnicity/nationality, religion, ability, body appearance, language, learning style, family composition. Students learn to employ multicultural, developmentally appropriate practices as a means of developing classroom environments that support the concepts of culture, diversity, equity, social justice, and democracy in early childhood settings and in collaboration with families. Prerequisite(s): Junior status or above.
Graded (A-F) only.