Food for Thought

When sensitive caregivers meet individual needs, they also may be

meeting cultural needs. However,without specific cultural information, caregivers can inadvertently use practices that undermine parents’ efforts and tread on their cultural values. (Mena & Bhavnagri 2006) 

...early childhood teacher preparation and 

professional development must help all teachers gain knowledge and practice skills that contribute to the educational achievement of all children.

(Ray, Bowman, & Robbins, 2006)

Resources

Mena, J.G, Bhavnagri, N. P. (2006) Diversity in Infant/Toddler Caregiving. Reprinted from A World of Difference, chapter 8, 2003. Retrieved November 21, 2012 from http://www.pakeys.org/uploadedcontent/Docs/Higher%20Ed/2011%20Conference/LL%20Szczurek%20Embracing%20Family%20Diversity%20Handouts.pdf

Ray, A., Bowman, B., Robbins, J. (2006) Preparing Early Childhood Teachers to Successfully Educate all Children: The Contribution of Four-Year Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs. Retrieved November 21, 2012 from http://www.erikson.edu/PageContent/en-us/Documents/pubs/Teachered.pdf