One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that each child and family is provided with the services they need in order for their children to be successful in school and within the community. I also hope that each child will receive a fair and equal education regardless of their social identities.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that all children are provided the opportunity to attend a free Prekindergarten program that is facilitated by a highly qualified teacher. I know that the school district I teach in the only way a child can attend the Prekindergarten program that is offered through the public schools is if they have an IEP, low-income, or considered language deficient (ELL). In my opinion all children should have the opportunity to attend these types of programs so they can be prepared for Kindergarten.
To all of my colleagues I want to thank you for sharing personal experiences that impacted you either personally and or professionally. I know for myself sometimes I felt myself struggling with “putting myself out there”. I think that it is difficult to share experiences that are either hurtful or that we are ashamed of. I think this class has made everyone take a good look at who they really are as a person and how their words and actions can have such substantial impact on others. With everything that we have learned throughout this course I think we are well on our way to working towards making a social change within the early childhood field. Good luck to everyone!
