Acton Early Childhood Centre.

 

ANTI-BIAS POLICY

 

 

AIMS

 

á    To welcome each individual child and his/her family to the Centre and program

á    To provide an equal environment for all children

á    To ensure that the program recognises and respects individual differences, and teaches children about other people and the world without reinforcing stereotypical information.

 

EXPLANATION

 

It is important that children grow up with an understanding of differences so that they learn that everyone is special and they do not discriminate because of difference. This means that children will not be discriminated on the basis of gender, age, race, religion, language, ability, culture or national origin.

 

We welcome the existence and exploration of diversity. In helping children to appreciate and welcome difference and similarity we can help to empower them. We can help them to learn to make decisions on the basis of valid individual choice and without needing to rely on stereotypes and prejudicial conceptions.

 

We recognise the right of all people to equal opportunity and access to the resources of society. The adoption of an anti-bias policy provides an umbrella for progressive programmes that seek to counter societal discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion or ability.

 

ACTIONS

 

Children

 

á    The environment should portray to children many elements of diversity. For example, children should experience books portraying different environments, diversity of gender roles, special needs and abilities. The environment should also depict images of, and information about, various family lifestyles, styles of parenting and religious backgrounds.

 

á    Children will be encouraged to interact with others of different gender, age, race, religion, language and culture.

 

á    Recognition and respect for differences will be integrated throughout the program. This will be supported by appropriate resources, visits and excursions.

 

á    The environment will portray to children the concepts of equal rights and the value of all people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staff

 

 

á    Staff will present a positive role model of non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.

 

á    Staff will be encouraged to model a range of gender roles. For example, males should spend time in dollyÕs corner and females should interact with blocks and construction toys.

 

á    Staff will have access to appropriate checklists in order to assess the current environment from time to time to ensure that an anti-bias environment is being presented. See checklist attached.

 

á    Staff will have available current contact details for a variety of services which may be contacted in order to assist non-English speaking families who may be using the centre. See list attached.

 

á    Staff will attend in-service training as may be available and appropriate.

 

 

 

For further information and assistance in this policy area refer to ÒThe Anti-Bias Curriculum. Tools for Empowering Young Children.Ó by Loise Derman Sparks and ÒAnti-Bias Approach in Early Childhood.Ó by Elizabeth Dau.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Refer to Multicultural policy for other actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Policy reviewed by Policy Review Committee 2-9-03.

Draft prepared 25th August 2005. Approved 27-9-05.

Reviewed Policy Review Committee 24-7-07.

Reviewed Policy Review Committee 4-8-09.