Dublin, 25th February 2010

We Make the Road by Walking Diversity and Equality in ECCE in Ireland Colette Murray: ‘éist’ Early Childhood Care and Education Coordinator. Pavee Point

What this talk will cover What brought us on the journey Overview of our journey to date An personal insight into work we offer and what we are trying to do A route forward to enable this work to continue

What Brought us on This Journey Children notice difference and experience discrimination at a very young age. The question is: Does stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism harm children’s educational and life chances? Does inequality affect children’s education and life chances? Does discrimination hurt? Do acts of discrimination harm all children?

What Brought us on This Journey Some questions which needed to ask of ourselves (as trainers and practitioners): Do I recognise, respect and celebrate diversity? Do I ensure each child’s (individual and group) identity is supported ? Do I confront troublesome issues or do I cover them up? Do I need to do things differently to make the above happen?

Overview of our Journey to Date

Respect: Education without Prejudice a Challenge for ECCE educators 1998 We must always bear in mind the importance of attitudinal change when discussing equality issue ...The time is now right with increasing Government commitment and attention to childcare, early childhood education and in particular the commitment to develop and inclusive society. (Ms Mary Wallace, TD)

Expert Working Group on Childcare (1999) The childcare environment must reflect a diverse inter-cultural and anti-discriminatory approach. There should be a wide range of appropriate equipment and images reflecting the background of all children … It should also provide an accessible and safe environment for children who could experience discrimination.

‘éist’: Respecting diversity in early childhood care, education and training ‘éist’ means listen in Irish ‘éist’ project NCCC D&E guidelines for CCC’s The report argues strongly in favour of diversity education in ECCE and training. Examining possible strategies for change and guidelines for implementation 2001

Ar an mBealach Diversity and Equality Training Manual for ECCE Trainers (Revised) Awareness of diversity issues is not enough. It is behaviour that counts (Judith Katz) The training delivers for both work with children and adults to support ongoing positive change in the ECCE setting.

OECD Thematic Review of ECCE Policy in Ireland (2004) & NESF ECCE report 31 (2005) “A systematic and co-ordinated approach needs to be adopted ...which will deliver in coming years anti-bias treatment…” “A contributory element to the successful inclusion of children from the Traveller community at all levels of education will be anti-bias teacher training and attention in schools to issues of diversity and identity.” “The éist programme developed by Pavee Point should be used as a model for training and for work in the areas of diversity and equality …”

Diversity and Equality Guidelines for Childcare Providers (childcare strategy 2006-2010) Consultative Process As minister for children I believe respecting equality and diversity is fundamental to the well-being of children, their families and wider society. There is no more appropriate place to do this or start the process than in an environment which cares for young children and which has day to day contact with their parents 2006 Brian Lenihan, Minister

Síolta Quality Framework A consultative Process (2006) ‘éist’ supported the development of Síolta The training supports various standard including: Rights of the child Environments Parents and Families Identity and belonging Professional Practice

Equality and Diversity Early Childhood National Network (2008) Training of trainers Family Wall research Submission to Equality Authority Intercultural Education Strategy Website Seminar Conference

Aistear Curriculum Framework (2009) Invitation to Equality-proof Aistear EDeNn equality-proofed Aistear the complete document. The Diversity and Equality training supports the implementation of Aistear over all four themes : Well being Identity and Belonging Communicating Exploring and Thinking

FETAC standardisation Funding Present: Challenges and Personal change and transformation as well as transformation of practice Achievements Training developed, piloted, evaluated and accredited by FETAC and NUI Maynooth Trainers trained EDeNn support network Some challenges FETAC standardisation Funding

Naming the Training (always an issue …) What the training does Present: Challenges and Personal change and transformation as well as transformation of practice Naming the Training (always an issue …) What the training does Gives clues and a direction through goals for adults and children (it’s not a map!) Enhances and works in tandem with Síolta and Aistear Supports trainers to deliver a in-depth Enables personal change and transforms practice Why is it worth going there?

Anti-G Goals for Children Support Children’s identity and belonging Goals for Adults To be conscious of one’s own culture, attitudes and values and how they influence practice To comfortable with difference and engage effectively with families To critically think about bias and discrimination To confidently engage in dialogue around issues of bias and discrimination   Goals for Children Support Children’s identity and belonging Comfort with difference Critical Thinking Ability to Stand up for themselves and others

Personal insights into the work

Ways forward Walk the walk Talk the talk Show the road

Ways forward (1) Walk the Walk: Build capacity Roll out Training of Trainers

Ways forward (2) Talk the Talk: Dissemination Programme development Policy development

Ways forward (3) Show the Road: Evidence (practice-based) Evaluation (What works for whom and why?) Research (sytematically link knowledge and practice / case studies)

Finally … Do what you do best and link to the rest Jeff Jarvis