Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care

Ensure children of all backgrounds can thrive with an intercultural approach to early childhood education

In a multicultural society such as Canada’s, early childhood educators work with children and families from a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions, languages, abilities, and lifestyles. Diversity enriches the experience of children and educators alike in these environments, but it can also present challenges in supporting each child’s growth and learning.

In Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care, early learning specialists Carole Massing and Mary Lynne Matheson present an intercultural perspective as a foundation of equitable outcomes in early childhood education, but just what does that look like? An intercultural approach involves the respectful exchange of ideas between people from diverse backgrounds, leading to mutual trust and deeper relationships. Guided by a diverse team of reviewers, this book examines the concepts, approaches, and strategies that every early childhood educator needs to know to provide sensitive, culturally responsive care for children and their families.

Topics include:

• The theoretical bases for an intercultural approach to early childhood education and care
• The factors that impact a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development
• How to create environments that enhance children’s wellbeing and affirm their identity
• How to support children’s creativity, literacy, and inquiry skills through an intercultural lens
• The skills, responsibilities, and challenges of working as an early childhood educator

Table of Contents

Introduction
PART I: THEORETICAL BEGINNINGS
1. What Does It Mean to Be an ECE Professional?
2. Framing Our Practice
3. Celebrating Difference
4. Developing an Intercultural Lens
PART II: DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING
5. How We Grow: Bodies and Brains
6. Supporting Social and Emotional Wellbeing
PART III: CREATING ENGAGING ENVIRONMENTS
7. Routines, Rituals, and Transitions
8. Play is Learning…and More!
9. Creating Environments for Play
10. Children and Nature
PART IV: SUPPORTING CREATIVITY, LITERACY, AND INQUIRY SKILLS
11. Supporting Creative Expression
12. Supporting Language and Literacy
13. Supporting Inquiry Skills
PART V: THE INTERCULTURAL ECE PROFESSIONAL: SKILLS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND CHALLENGES
14. Planning Curriculum
15. Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
16. Understanding and Connecting with Families
17. Caring for Yourself and Others
Appendix A: Canadian Child Care Federation Code of Ethics
Appendix B: Children’s Books
Appendix C: Recognizing Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Exploitation
Appendix D: Culturally Responsive Practice at the Intercultural Child and Family Centre
Appendix E: Professional Resources