1. Dublin, 25th February 2010

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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. Overview of our Journey to Date

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. ‘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

10. 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.

11. 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 …”

12. Diversity and Equality Guidelines for Childcare Providers (childcare strategy ) 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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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?

18. 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

19. Personal insights into the work

20. Ways forward
Walk the walk
Talk the talk
Show the road

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

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

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

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