This presentation was delivered by Kweli I. Archie and Betsy O. Saatman at a conference in Philadelphia, PA.

1. Supporting Conversations aboutRace & Cultural Competence in the Early Childhood Setting Kweli I. Archie and Betsy O. Saatman

2. Guess who…??? Is married? Is a mother to more than one child? Has traveled aboard? Loves the theatre? Has a Masters Degree?

4. Stereotyping We all make assumptions about people based on… Appearance Personal Experiences Public Opinion History

5. Objectives To create a forum that supports a productive dialogue about race and culture To explore how we define our identity based on keys aspects of race and culture To reflect on how their early learning environment supports equity and diversity

6. Dialogue Ground Rules for Conversation

7. Dialogue “Unlike debate, dialogue emphasizes listening to deepen understanding. Dialogue invites discovery. It develops common values and allows participants to express their own interests. It expects that participants will grow in understanding and may decide to act together with common goals. In dialogue, participants can question and re-evaluate their assumptions. Through this process people are learning to work together to improve race relations.” ‐‐ Source: An American Dialogue Guide: Conducting a Discussion on Race. Washington D.C.: The White House, March 1998, pg. 5.

8. Reflective Practices Race Exercise Reflection Share Culture Exercise Reflection Share

9. RACE MATTERS Black Doll White Doll Study

10. What Does This Mean for Our Work????

11. Aspects of Your Culture… Think of your own culture growing up. Take a moment to describe some of the items listed below. Favorite family food Favorite family activity Most popular holiday Everyday dress

12. CULTURAL COMPETENCE Managing Your Prejudices

13. What Does This Mean for Our Work????

14. Being Racially and Culturally Competent To do this we must start with an awareness of our own values Explore our personal biases and prejudices Educate ourselves to the customs, culture and beliefs of all of the children and families represented in our care and larger community Provide a multicultural classroom environment for children to thrive in Facilitate hands on experiences - rich in multicultural variety