Professional Hopes and Goals

            It takes optimisms, passion and vision in order to create a society where all people can be nurtured and respected (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Over the past eight weeks, I have had the opportunity to grow immensely in my journey to becoming a more multicultural educator who is more aware of their own bias and prejudice thanks in part to each and every one of my classmates and Dr. Parrish.

            A hope I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is for each child and family to have a smooth transition into an early childhood programs where open communication, and multicultural curriculum and staff help to ensure the family feels welcomed into the learning environment. While it will take continuous education for both myself and my coworkers on diverse cultures and the adaptation of a more inclusive curriculum, I feel better now understanding how this is not an overnight process and any step is helpful in terms of becoming more understanding and welcoming to diverse individuals.

            A goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice, is for mandatory trainings in multicultural curriculum and inclusion to take place by all staff members on a frequent (annual or biannual) basis which would be funded through the government. Having access to free education for staff members can in turn help families and children to feel as if their culture is respected and the staff members understand their cultural differences both within and outside of the educational environment. If staff are unwilling to attend these workshops/events, then I feel as if this proves they are not willing to change their perspectives and do what is best for young children and families. My hope is the more educated staff are, the more welcome and passionate they will be to seeking out diverse families to attend their programs.

            Finally, I would like to extend my sincerest thank you to Dr. Parrish and each and every one of my classmates. It is because of the experiences and questions you posed which have offered me the most self-reflection and personal education on diversity, equity and social justice topics. I look forward to continually learning through all of you in future courses, yet if we do not have the opportunity to meet again, I wish you all the best in your journey to becoming an early childhood professional leader within your community and beyond!

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). EDUC 6162 Course Media. Diversity

and Equity Work: Lessons Learned. Baltimore, MD. Retrieved from

https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_4732505_1%26url%3D.