Ensure children of all backgrounds can thrive with an intercultural approach to early childhood education

In a multicultural society such as Canada’s, early childhood educators work with children and families from a diverse mix of ethnicities, religions, languages, abilities, and lifestyles. Diversity enriches the experience of children and educators alike in these environments, but it can also present challenges in supporting each child’s growth and learning.

In Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care, early learning specialists Carole Massing and Mary Lynne Matheson present an intercultural perspective as a foundation of equitable outcomes in early childhood education, but just what does that look like? An intercultural approach involves the respectful exchange of ideas between people from diverse backgrounds, leading to mutual trust and deeper relationships. Guided by a diverse team of reviewers, this book examines the concepts, approaches, and strategies that every early childhood educator needs to know to provide sensitive, culturally responsive care for children and their families.

Topics include:

• The theoretical bases for an intercultural approach to early childhood education and care
• The factors that impact a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development
• How to create environments that enhance children’s wellbeing and affirm their identity
• How to support children’s creativity, literacy, and inquiry skills through an intercultural lens
• The skills, responsibilities, and challenges of working as an early childhood educator

Carole Massing began her career as an elementary school teacher and developed a special interest in early learning when her own children were small. Since that time, she has taught in post-secondary programs at MacEwan University, the University of Alberta, and NorQuest College. She has also consulted, researched, and developed curriculum in early learning and child care, interculturalism, and human service administration. Carole teaches in the Bachelor of Applied Human Service Administration program at MacEwan University. She earned her PhD in elementary education at the University of Alberta.

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Mary Lynne Matheson taught in the Early Learning and Child Care Program at MacEwan University for over 25 years and in the Bridging Program for Immigrant Child Care Workers, and she also worked as the Education Coordinator at the Intercultural Child and Family Centre. Mary Lynne is currently a pedagogical partner and curriculum content developer. She has an MSc in Family Ecology and Practice from the University of Alberta.

Mary Lynne Matheson's profile page