Course Overview

Welcome to Connecting Deeply for an Inclusive ECE Environment!

In early childhood programs, we work with children, families, colleagues, and our larger community. It is all about relationships. Each person brings unique gifts and wisdom to a relationship. We don’t always see the gifts or the particular wisdom immediately, but by having patience, we can uncover the gift another brings. 

Welcoming families, children, and educators into our programs sets the tone for our continuing relationships. We all know what it is like to be welcomed. Just think of the word which says “your coming is well, is good”. We want everyone to feel welcome when they come through the door. Our decor, our manner, and our tone should invite and welcome. We will explore and reflect on how we can ensure everyone feels welcome and safe. 

As you navigate through this course overview, learning outcomes will be provided, but we will share our intentions with you. 

Learning outcomes suggest that we know what we should learn. We will share information and material with you for reflection and invite you to engage with the material. Each of you will come to this material with your own experience and knowledge. As you read our intentions for the course, think about what you need. Learning is personal and individual.

Together, we will think about what it means to be inclusive. British Columbia has a diverse population and a unique history. By understanding and reflecting on our history, our landscape and our responsibilities as citizens we can engage with children, families  and each other in more thoughtful and caring ways. We will think about how our programs welcome families and children into our early childhood communities. What is your vision of a welcoming program?

We will think about our indoor and outdoor spaces and how they offer support for a diverse population of children. Analyzing your indoor and outdoor space will encourage deeper thinking about the messages our spaces give to families and their children. 

We can reach out to our local community for support for children and families. Knowing what your community has to offer, as well as what is possible province-wide, is essential. We will also explore our connections to the land and our responsibility to care for it since the land, the water, and the air are part of that larger community.