Diverse Cultures – Common Experiences

04/11/2006

Diverse Cultures – Common Experiences

Even a sheet of paper has two sides.
Japanese Proverb

Last week, we hosted a study tour for three visiting educators from Chiba Meitoku College in Tokyo. Professors Kiyama, Kishii, and Miyazaki visited with us to acquire information concerning child care practices in North America, with particular interest in early childhood education for children with special needs. It was an eventful day where we learned more about the training of child care professionals in Japan and shared our experiences as educators.

As is usually the case with cross-cultural exchanges, we learned that we have much in common regardless of the diversity between our cultures. Here are some of the highlights:

As educators, we shared a common value in the importance of creating a learning environment that welcomes a range of learning styles and student backgrounds. All of us came away with ideas to enrich our respective programs and facilities.
We shared an interest in supporting the celebration of holidays in ways that are developmentally appropriate for young children and that are welcoming for all families at centers regardless of family backgrounds.
Our visitors shared the ways in which they support students to engage children in the celebrations of Hanamochi, an event that likens rice cake to flower, and wishes good harvest, staple grains, and good health, and Hinamaturii, a festival that wishes good health and healthy growth.

I also learned something about early childhood education in North America for children with special needs. Part of the study tour included a visit to Centennial Infant and Child Care in Toronto. The center provides programming for very young children with special needs. We had the pleasure of sitting in on music circle where I learned that it’s very easy to see the ability of children with special needs when the playing field is leveled. The Centennial staff and volunteers make it possible for all children to choose and sing a song, share cake with their friends, and take pride in what they accomplish, regardless of whether they can walk, talk, use an eating utensil, or brush their teeth by themselves. Congratulations to all of you out there who, like the Centennial staff and volunteers, help people like me to be reminded of the ability in young children.

Contributed by: Laurie McNelles – Mothercraft Institute for Early Development

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