Activity 1.3 | Mindset

Consider the following inclusion story, and how you might put yourself in the family's place. 

An aunt connected with the child care centre and asked to have lunch with their niece that day and support them at nap time. The educators asked the child if they were comfortable having their family member visit and not take them home afterwards. The child agreed that they could handle a visit and understood the aunt was not there to take them home. The Educators can ask themselves if a visit would benefit or distress the child. Each child and family situation is different and should be considered individually.

Often as an educator, we may believe that other family members might want the same treatment. In this example, the other children were curious about the aunt and asked when she might visit again.  Sometimes as educators, we can get caught up with our own beliefs…and you might believe if you do something for one family you will have to do it for all families.. Ask yourself why you would hesitate.  It was a beautiful example of supporting a family's need to bond. 

After reading the story of the aunt’s visit, think about how you could consider this example through a different lens. How might you stay curious about this family or other families? Often we assume that something is not going to go well based on our own past experience or beliefs. How might you keep an open mindset? 

Reflect on what you might do. 

Educators in this program believe that it is on an individual basis. Can you recall making a similar decision and how you addressed it with the family and the other educators?

Suggested Reflection Activities

We encourage you to engage in one or both of these activities. 

1. Write this inclusion story on a whiteboard or flipchart paper. Offer flipchart paper and markers for other educators to write their inclusion story down throughout the day. Post the stories in a shared space for all the educators to read. Revisit the stories together when the time allows. Record a story in your journal, or create an audio or video recording of a story that inspired you that another educator shared. 

2. Write an example of how you might foster the inclusion of a child and their family into your journal. Consider sharing your reflections with the educators in your centre.

How can you ensure that staff are treated with the same consideration as children and families?

We can also take our yes mindset to our staff. We can be flexible when our staff needs support. When we feel supported, even cared for, it is easier to pass on that care and support to others.  Reflective question: How might you support your staff when they are facing difficult situations?