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Children's Rights

As we reflect on where we have been, contemporary Early Learning Frameworks can guide us forward to think about pedagogical approaches that are both ethical and responsive. These frameworks encourage us to create environments and practices that support holistic care and education while upholding children’s rights and promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. At the heart of all of this is upholding ethical standards and integrating approaches that truly respect children’s personhood, their rights, their autonomy, and their agency. Draw on the following resources to think critically and reflect on our current practices. 

How you can lead meaningful change in our early learning environments?

Explore the provided resources and consider how these documents contribute to the pedagogical practices in early learning. 

Children’s Rights: 

"There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace." 

Kofi Annan

Watch the two short UNICEF Canada videos:

(1) The Right to a Childhood | UNICEF Canada and 

(2) Just a kid | #WorldChildrensDay

Now, explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Child version!). As you read and reflect on the videos and convention proceedings, consider:

  • Are we creating spaces and curricula where children feel seen, heard, and valued? Are we challenging biases and working towards equity? 
  • Do the practices align with the rights of children? 

References

Annan, K. (n.d.). There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children... [Quote attributed to Kofi Annan]. UNICEF. 

UNICEF. (n.d.). About the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF Canada. https://www.unicef.ca/en/policy-advocacy-for-children/about-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child

UNICEF Canada. (n.d.). The Right to a Childhood [Video]. YouTube. https://www.unicef.ca/en/right-to-a-childhood

Unicef Canada (2024). Convention on the Rights of the Child (child version). https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/convention-text-childrens-version 

UNICEF Canada. (n.d.). Just a Kid | #WorldChildrensDay [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RU4awGTPWo​

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