Creating Affirming Environments

If I were to open a Family Childcare Center in my home, I would want to create a safe, healthy, learning environment for all children and families.  Creating and maintaining relationships with my families where they feel comfortable and respected would be key to a successful center.  Communication is also a essential component to creating and maintaining relationships.  Each family and child's voice would be heard and respected. 

In creating a safe healthy, learning environment I would provide multi-cultural materials throughout my center.  In the course reading it says to provide diverse, anti-bias materials.  I would include a rich variety of multi-cultural books, dolls, puzzles, and art materials.  Throughout the center I would include pictures and posters that show a variety of cultures that encourage conversations and learning opportunities.  In the video Adriana Castilo displayed pictures of the children who were in her center.   I would incorporate that idea in my center as well.  Another example I liked from Adriana Castilo center is including an area labeled "Family Culture Share."  This is a great opportunity to share and learn about the children in the center.  I also feel having and playing a diverse selection of music creates a calming environment. 

References:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Video: “Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community”