Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This subject takes as foundational the value of diversity and difference in early childhood education contexts. Students will examine national policies and curriculum frameworks to unpack cultural factors, social justice and equity issues that may impact on children, educators, families and communities. The subject aims to critically examine assumptions that … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject takes as foundational the value of diversity and difference in early childhood education contexts. Students will examine national policies and curriculum frameworks to unpack cultural factors, social justice and equity issues that may impact on children, educators, families and communities. The subject aims to critically examine assumptions that frame practice, shape identities, and to offer alternatives so that early childhood professionals can realise their role as agents of change around issues of diversity, difference, social justice and equity.

Syllabus

Understanding key concepts about diversity and difference, mapping diversity through a range of intersectional lenses that relate to professional practice in early childhood education;Unpacking and challenging how dominant discourses produce several power relations, binaries, unearned privileges and statuses that play out in early childhood environments;Using intersectionality to critique manifestations of … For more content click the Read More button below.

Understanding key concepts about diversity and difference, mapping diversity through a range of intersectional lenses that relate to professional practice in early childhood education;
Unpacking and challenging how dominant discourses produce several power relations, binaries, unearned privileges and statuses that play out in early childhood environments;
Using intersectionality to critique manifestations of identity and social categories including sex, gender, sexuality, class, socioeconomic status, Indigeneity, ‘race’ and ethnicity in early childhood contexts;
The importance of centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, pedagogies and curriculum, and identifying how ongoing colonisation process continue to impact Indigenous children, families and communities;
How anti-racism education involves challenging whiteness and Eurocentric hegemony in curriculum and practice, unpacking critical race theory, valuing multiculturalism and addressing the learner needs of students that have English as an additional language or dialect;
Challenging gender bias, centralising Indigenous women’s experiences/perspectives and feminist poststructuralist theoretical frameworks;
Examining class, social welfare policies and structures;
Critical and social justice pedagogy and reconstructing practice for social justice and empowering self-awareness practices;

Assessment items

1. Quizzes

2. Discussion Forum Tasks

3. Design an Early Childhood Program

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

Critique professional practice that involves prejudices, biases, structural and institutional inequalities in relation to white privilege, ongoing colonisation, racism, gender diversity, sexism, homophobia, ableism, class position and socioeconomic status

demonstrate a critical understanding of issues related to identities, diversity, intersectionality, social justice and equity for children, families and communities;

develop and articulate a critical disposition towards assumptions about children in relation to issues of diversity and difference in multicultural education;

develop positive strategies, pedagogies and curricula for inclusive and socially just practice in early childhood contexts and the broader community;

recognise the power and place of early childhood education in the struggle for social justice and act to provoke thought in others.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) or as approved by the respective Course Coordinator or Course Director.

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

For this subject students require a laptop computer and/or appropriate mobile device.

Handbook

EEP304 - Diversity and Difference in Early Childhood Education