Exploring Diversity 

Facilitated by Rarni Rothwell

“Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country. We are home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures - as well as people who identify with more than 270 ancestries. This cultural diversity is central to our national identity. It is important that young children in Australia today grow up with an appreciation and respect for the diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities that surround them. Early childhood education provides the ideal setting for children to learn about different cultures and form friendships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. By promoting understanding of difference and diversity, early childhood educators can assist children and their families to build positive relationships with their local communities.” (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2016:4) This webinar will look at exploring values and attitudes towards diversity and difference. These values and attitudes will translate into key policy principles which underpin educator’s actions and interactions when working at an OSHC service. We are seeking to creating a commitment to cultural integrity and embedding this thinking into day-to-day practice.