chapter five

Building an Anti-Bias Education Program

Relationships with Families and Among Teachers and Staff

• Emphasizes the importance of respect and cooperation in creating dignified work environments.

• NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) underscores the necessity for collaborative relationships among teachers, staff, and families to enable an effective anti-bias education (ABE).

The Role of Collaboration

• Positive interactions among adults help achieve complex tasks in early childhood education.

• Building strong relationships mirrors the respect and collaboration needed for children's development.

Building Anti-Bias Relationships with Families

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

• Highlights the responsibility educators have in fostering communication between home and educational settings to support children’s development.

• Recognizes families as essential partners in the educational process, emphasizing trust and mutual respect.

Understanding Family Strengths

• Shift focus from viewing cultural differences as deficits to recognizing strengths families contribute to education.

• Engaging families in discussions helps teachers learn about parenting styles, expectations, and children's home experiences.

• Knowledge gained assists teachers in respecting diverse backgrounds, enhancing effective teaching.

Self-Reflection and Relationship Building

• Reflect on past experiences with school-family relationships to inform current practices.

• Assess personal comfort and readiness in building connections with families.

  • Consider thoughts on family involvement, desired feelings for students regarding parental connections, and personal experiences that may affect interactions.

Goals for Educators

• Goal 1: Develop skills to discuss personal anti-bias journeys and raise awareness of ABE.

• Goal 2: Ensure families feel welcomed and included in their children’s education.

• Goal 3: Foster regular reflection and planning regarding anti-bias curricula.

• Goal 4: Engage in meaningful conversations about anti-bias issues with colleagues and families.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Families

Welcoming Families

• Share personal and professional details to encourage family openness.

• Establish communal spaces for families to share information about themselves, promoting inclusivity.

Communication Strategies

• Regular informal communication is crucial, including short conversations during drop-off and pick-up times.

• Use consistent family-teacher conferences to discuss children's progress and address concerns collaboratively.

• Home visits can build rapport and provide insight into children’s lives, fostering trust.

Involving Families in Anti-Bias Education

Family Engagement

• Educators should actively involve families in discussions around ABE goals and provide opportunities for family contributions.

• Encourage family input on anti-bias topics and activities through consistent communication and shared experiences in the classroom.

Community Building Activities

• Organize family get-togethers, potlucks, and small discussion groups on relevant topics.

• Facilitate family activism by encouraging communal projects that promote anti-bias messages, enhancing community connections.

Navigating Disagreements

Handling Conflicts

• Utilize the Acknowledge, Ask, Adapt strategy during disagreements to create a productive dialogue among teachers, staff, and families.

  • Acknowledge the existence of conflict.

  • Ask questions to understand perspectives.

  • Adapt solutions leveraging common ground while being courteous and respectful.

Addressing Cultural Clashes

• Be prepared to discuss parental concerns regarding anti-bias activities while remaining committed to ABE goals.

  • Openly engage families discussing their perspectives to find shared understanding.

Third Space Solution

• Create a collaborative 'third space' where differing perspectives can generate new solutions, instead of compromising on core anti-bias values.

Conclusion

Value of Collaboration

• Collaborative relationships with families and colleagues enhance the anti-bias education process and enrich the educational environment.

• Continuous assessment and commitment to learning from experiences and interactions foster an effective ABE.