Early Years Learning Framework Essay

What the Early Years Learning Framework believes in when it comes to Culture - The Early Years Learning Frame work believes that educators who are culturally competent respect ways of knowing, seeing and living and have the ability to understand and honour differences. It is about the will and action to build understanding between people and to respect people from different cultures. The Early Years Learning Framework has 5 Principles and practices that are critical to the development of cultural competence - Learning that is engaging. Relationships that are affirming, Resilience with a strong sense of wellbeing, Curriculum that builds success for life, Confidence and strengths in personal and cultural identity. Culture is the fundamental building block and development of a strong cultural identity is essential to a child’s health.

Equal Opportunity - Everyone has the right to feel welcomed and the right to have a say no matter what background they may hold. Every child and their family has the

right to feel free in a care service and they have the right to have the same opportunities as other’s do within the service. Each child has the right to have the same learning opportunities as every other child no matter what background they hold. Each child should receive the same learning outcome for them to be able to have a bright future. Everyone deserves to be treated equally and to be heard.

How to understand culture and work with children and their families - Working with children and their families from different cultures is great! Not only is it a good thing for them but it is a great thing for educators and other children as it builds their knowledge on places and cultures on the outside. In most cases working with new families an interpreter may be needed as there may be language issues. Also talking to the family regularly to talk about the values and expectations of their child.

How to deal with racism - Whether it be direct at you or to someone else all these matters should be taken into count. Every issue should be approached in a well-mannered way, React calmly to the matter, take documentations and react to the words not the person.

What is meant by cultural competence and what it means to us here at the service?

Cultural competence is the way we build an understanding with and between children, families and communities. The way we respect and be open with different cultures and work towards having an equal opportunity. It is important to have a good understanding for each other’s expectations. As educators we need to be and to understand, respect and have effective communication skills with people from a different background. We need to be aware of one’s own world views, be able to develop positive attitudes towards cultural differences, gain knowledge between different cultures and develop communication and interaction skills across different cultures. Here at our service we believe everyone one has a right to be heard and everyone has the right to feel free and welcomed. We love to share stories with children and their families to help with our knowledge and our understanding of

others.