Journey Towards Inclusion

"For as long as I can remember, I have been disturbed by how people tend to exclude others who look, speak, believe, or behave differently", wrote Kate Jordan-Downs in her Exchange article, "A Journey Towards Inclusion", which is included in the newest Exchange Essentials article collection, Perspectives on Diversity. She continues...

"As early childhood educators and leaders, we hold immense power and responsibility in our hands. We have the ability to impact the earliest experiences of entire generations, which will set ­children on paths that influence how children view themselves, others, and the world around them. With this power, we must commit to creating equal opportunity for all children to grow and learn, so that they will be equipped to become engaged members of their communities. By welcoming children of all abilities and life experiences, we take the first step in changing the general belief that high-quality early learning settings are only available to certain children. We are sending a message that each child is not only welcome, but a valued member of their center family - a message that will positively influence their growing sense of self-worth."

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