DQ WK1

Learning Resources

Required Resources
 

Note: To open PDF documents, you will need the Adobe® Reader® software (available as a free download at: http://get.adobe.com/reader/).

• Course Text: Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008). Diversity in early care and education: Honoring differences (5th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1, "Perceiving and Responding to Differences"
    
     
• Course Text: Day, M., & Parlakian, R. (2004). How culture shapes social-emotional development: Implications for practice in infant-family programs. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
  • Read pp. 1–3 (up to "What Is Social-Emotional Development?")
  • Read pp. 11–13 (up to "Exploring and Learning from the Environment")
    
     
• Article: Phillips, C. B., & Cooper, R. M. (1992). Cultural dimensions of feeding relationships.                                                                         In The caregiver's companion: Readings and professional resources - Infants, toddlers, and caregivers (pp. 95–101). Washington, DC: Zero to Three.
  Reproduced with permission of Zero to Three in the format Scan via Copyright Clearance Center.
  
   
  • Read pp. 98–99, "Principles for Observing Dimensions of Culture"
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Optional Resources

• Web Site: NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment
  http://www.naeyc.org/positionstatements/ethical_conduct

Cultural Differences in Caregiving Practices

Reflect on the following quotation as you consider your learning this week:
 

"It may seem that cultural differences have little to do with the nitty-gritty of meeting children's needs. After all, how many different ways can there be to feed, clean, carry, dress, and touch children and provide for rest and warmth?" (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008, p.15)
 

By Day 3:

Post your responses to the following questions:
 

• What insights have you gained about your own identity, including your cultural framework?
   
• How might your cultural framework influence your interpretation of what is "normal" for infants and toddlers?
   
• What initial ideas do you now have for building culturally responsive and respectful relationships with families of infants and toddlers?
   
• What questions about culture, infant/toddler development, and working with families do you now have that you would like to explore in this course?