Cultural Competence in Three Key Course Topics

1️⃣ Family Engagement & Cultural Responsiveness (NAEYC’s EDF Principles)

Strong family engagement is essential in creating a culturally responsive classroom. According to NAEYC’s Engaging Diverse Families (EDF) project, family engagement should include two-way communication between educators and families, recognizing and valuing family diversity (e.g., single parents, immigrant households), and providing families with decision-making opportunities in their child’s education.

Family engagement is not just about celebrating cultural holidays, but about embedding diversity into everyday learning experiences. By recognizing and respecting diverse family structures and cultural practices, educators can strengthen relationships with families and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom.

• NAEYC’s Family Engagement Principles

2️⃣ Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) & Inclusion

NAEYC’s guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) emphasize that teaching should be responsive to cultural backgrounds. Educators should use diverse classroom materials, encourage multilingual learning, and ensure that all children see themselves reflected in the materials. Avoid tokenism, which involves showcasing cultures only during specific holidays. Cultural responsiveness should be integrated throughout the year, ensuring every child feels represented.

By using multicultural books, play materials, and activities, you create an environment where all children can see their cultural backgrounds honored and understood.

• What is Developmentally Appropriate Practice?

3️⃣ Anti-Bias Education & Equity in Early Childhood

NAEYC’s Anti-Bias Education Approach encourages educators to help children recognize and challenge bias. This involves ensuring that classroom materials represent all cultures equitably and making sure each child’s identity is affirmed. Anti-bias education also includes fostering critical thinking about bias and unfair practices, whether they arise from peers, media, or society.

Through discussion-based activities and intentional learning experiences, educators can guide children in developing empathy and respect for others.

• Teaching for Change