This session centers around the film "Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years," designed to help early childhood educators observe anti-bias education in practice. Unlike a prescribed recipe or model, this approach relies on critical thinking, risk-taking, and a profound understanding of the nuanced issues and their context. It goes beyond mere activities and teaching strategies, emphasizing that while challenging, implementing anti-bias education is achievable.
Presented by
Patricia Coss-Maxwell
Program Manager of Professional Development
Child Care Aware of Washington
Patricia Coss-Maxwell, an expert in Early Childhood Education (ECE), holds a Master of Education, a Certificate in Adult Education from Eastern Washington University, and a BAS in ECE from North Seattle College. Awarded the Noris E. Daniel Fellowship in 2018, she boasts three decades of ECE experience, excelling as a Children's Books Writer and DCYF STARS Trainer. Currently, Patricia serves as the Program Manager of Professional Development at Child Care Aware of Washington, doubling as an ECE Instructor at Green River College and contributing as an Early Learning Coach at Child Care Resources. Her multifaceted expertise shaped the future of ECE.
Presentation Outcomes:
This presentation aims to foster productive outcomes for young children and their families by promoting inclusive and effective anti-bias education strategies. By showcasing real-world examples through the film "Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years," educators gain insights into creating diverse and culturally sensitive learning environments. This approach, rooted in critical thinking and understanding, addresses diversity, including ability, culture, language, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Through this comprehensive lens, educators can tailor their practices to embrace and celebrate differences, ultimately enriching the educational experience and positively impacting the development of all children and their families.
Learning Objectives:
Define Identity: Demonstrate self-awareness, confidence, family pride, and positive social identities.
Discuss Diversity: Express comfort and joy with human diversity; accurate language for human differences; and deep, caring human connections.
Explain Justice: Recognize unfairness, have language to describe unfairness, and understand that unfairness hurts.
Take Action Action: Demonstrate empowerment and the skills to act, with others or alone, against prejudice and/or discrimination.
