Assignment:
Your course project is to develop an Anti-Bias Action Plan. For this part of the project, you will work on developing an Anti-Bias Action Plan to ensure the diverse group is able to participate fully and equally in an educational setting of your choice.
You will use the information researched in Module 02 to assist in developing an action plan. Identify and list the steps necessary to counteract the type of bias and/or discrimination that your selected group has experienced within an early childhood education environment.
In a 2 to 3 page paper, provide the following information in sections as labeled below. Incorporate two (2) credible resources.
Step 1: Barriers
1. List and explain the current barriers you identified.
- Questions to consider in your explanation: What do you see as the major factors preventing your group from experiencing and participating fully and equally in the learning environment? Are the barriers physical (for example, no handicap ramps) or related to the program content and processes (for example, no native language materials for English Language Learners [ELL] children)? Are the barriers attitudinal (for example, the center doesn't feel comfortable serving children with special needs)? Are there any beliefs and/or biases that may be preventing your group's participation?
2. State at least two alternative methods for overcoming those barriers.
3. Indicate which method is the best for this particular situation, and explain why.
Step 2: Inclusive Environment
1. Describe the inclusive environment for your group that you envisioned.
- Consider the following in your explanation: Picture the ideal setting. What would it look like? What characteristics would make the learning experience accessible and appropriate for your group? Think about all aspects of the learning environment and include information about the program design, equipment, materials, instructional strategies, curriculum, resources, and assessments. Also think about the kinds of adult-child interactions, child-child interactions, and family-teacher interactions that would be necessary to ensure full and equal participation.
2. Discuss the benefits of having a diverse group within that early childhood environment.
Step 3: Action Steps
- State the ultimate goal for your group relative to the bias/discrimination it has been experiencing.
- Outline 2-3 action steps needed to best counteract the type of bias and/or discrimination that your selected group has experienced.
- Suggest 2 activities that promote an inclusive environment for children and families in the chosen group.
- Identify the resources or materials, if any, that will be needed to achieve the goal.
- Provide a realistic timeline for implementing the action plan.
Step 4: Obstacles/Risks
- Identify any obstacles or risks that might prevent your plan from being carried out.
- Explain whether the action is worth taking those risks and why.