What is cultural diversity?

Diversity includes: Race Gender Culture Special needs and abilities Occupations Lifestyles Ages Income levels

Why should cultural diversity be promoted in child care environments?

• To recognize that every person is special and valuable
• To promote high self-esteem in children
• To teach children and families about their own culture
• To introduce children and families to other cultures
• To encourage children and families to respect other cultures
• To teach children how to talk to and play with people who are different from them
• To help families and children be part of a group
• To help children and families live happily and cooperatively in a diverse world

• Include pictures of people from many races and cultures
• Include books that reflect diversity in gender, race, culture, special needs and abilities, occupations, ages, lifestyles and income level
• Make sure that children are allowed to play with all materials, not just ones that are especially for boys or girls
• Celebrate the holidays of all the children in care

Written by: Louise E. Davis, Ph.D., Child and Family Development Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service and Angel Fason, Project Director, Nurturing Homes Initiative, Mississippi State University Extension Service. Distributed by Louise E. Davis, Ph.D., Child and Family Development Specialist, Mississippi State University Extension Service. This project is conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Service in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Office for Children and Youth. Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

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These Pages are designed for use with WebTV®. * This project is conducted by Mississippi State University Extension Service in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Human Services Office for Children and Youth. nhi@ext.msstate.edu   Visit: DAFVM || USDA Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution.