~HOPES AND DREAMS 4 EARLYCHILDHOOD EDUCATION~

As a professional in the early childhood field with goals of becoming a childcare owner, I anticipate working with children, families, as well as colleagues who come from diverse backgrounds.  As a professional in this field I could only hope to have a positive impact on all of the lives that I am in contact with.  I want to make everyone feel comfortable, accepted, and appreciated for who they are.  

Seeing as I have a bachelor's degree which entitles me to work with young children, I find it very odd that I have learned so much with regards to diversity,equity, and social justice in this course. A goal that I would like for the early childhood field is ensuring that adequate training is received in these areas before working with children is permitted.  I have been working with young children and families for years and never realized that I even had bias, that can potentially affect me interactions with others.  

I would like to thank my colleagues for your comments,contributions and personal insights in this course.  With your participation was greatly needed and appreciated. Good Luck in all your future classes, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with all of you again!! 

~Welcoming Families From Around the World~

For this assignment I chose Cambodia as the family's country of origin. 

 In preparation for the Cambodian family I will first research the country. I will browse the internet and read books/articles on Cambodian culture, religion, politics, education, etc. After I have gained as much information as possible from outside sources I will then rely on information that I can gain from observing the family. Through observations I can see the dynamics within the family, roles, family culture, and etc. I will also take the initiative to learn the basic greetings and common words of their language.  I will compile a list of local/community resources and I will also try to incorporate their culture in my learning environment.  I will prepare a questionnaire in hopes of getting to know the family and their preferences a little better.  

I hope the steps that I intend to take will help the families transition. As anticipated me and the Cambodian family may worry about communication barriers and misunderstandings. I hope my actions will show the family that I am here to help and is prepared to take the necessary steps to help their child succeed.  In return the family may be more reluctant and open to my help.  Overall, I hope that my actions will make the family feel welcomed and comfortable.  

~The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, & Oppression

A couple of weeks ago I witnessed one of my close male friends become victim of bias. My friend is a 31 year old African American with french braids and multiple tattoos, and owns a successful construction company. One day me, my friend, and one of his employees (white male) were out having lunch and a problem occurred at an insurance office they were working on. The owner of the insurance company demanded that she speak to the supervisor. So we immediately went to the site. When we arrived the lady (white) was very upset.  When my friend tried to approach her she said "I do not want to waste anymore of my time talking to you people, because apparently you folks have trouble comprehending, now if you would excuse me I would like to speak with your boss". My friend tried speaking and she rudely hushed him and approached his employee. She stated her problem, and the employee said "I am sorry for the confusion, but as _______ stated it is against our company policy to switch materials once they are purchased. The lady was smiling and flirting, and she said "well can't you make an exception". He said "I'm sorry maam, but I have no say in that. But I'm sure my supervisor (pointing to my friend)would have considered it had you not offended him".  The lady rolled her eyes and walked away. 

Once we got into the truck the men were laughing and joking, and I could not understand why.  So I asked if I was the only person who saw something wrong with what just happened.  My friend said he experience this at least once a week and it does not bother him anymore.  He said it lets him know he's doing something right.  

I was still upset with the whole situation. The lady was rude and disrespectful, and on top of that she did not attempt to apologize.  I am very proud of my friend, he worked very hard to build his company and because he is a black man he rarely gets credit.  In this situation the lady did not want to see a black man with power or authority. It was not like she was just a nasty person because she was very friendly and pleasant with the white guy. Therefore, I believe there was inequity in the respect that the guys received.  In order for this scenario to change the lady would have to change her views and work on some issues.