It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
—Maya Angelou, author, poet, professor, and civil rights activist
Embracing diversity in early childhood classrooms is not about the stuff found on catalog pages; it is not about costumes, multicultural crayons, or plastic ethnic foods. Diversity means embracing every family and truly trying to understand their beliefs, values, and traditions. Embracing authentic diversity in our classrooms is a thought process that begins with appreciating and understanding the similarities and differences of the children in our care. Help children begin to notice that people are more alike than we are different.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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