Scenario: Chitra - Developing A Sense Of Belonging

[seep]

SCENARI

-Assessment task 3- scenario

Chitra is new to your service. she is the only child of Indian background. how can educators help Chitra develop a sense of belonging to the service?

The experiences of children and families from culturally diverse backgrounds are shaped by their encounters with Australian society, and have significant effects on their sense of inclusion and engagement within the wider community. Educators can play a central role in supporting Chitra with diverse cultural backgrounds and her family by promoting and implementing inclusive practices and supporting them to build strong connections to community support during times of transition.
When educator will be familiar with Chitra's particular circumstances, she will be more able to meet the learning, social and wellbeing needs of Chitra and her family. By understanding the needs and interests of Chitra from culturally diverse backgrounds and building relationships of trust and understanding with educators and service, ECEC services can make a positive difference to Chitra's mental health and wellbeing. It can also help to address any difficulties or discrimination that may occur in an early childhood setting.
Educator can also support Chitra from diverse backgrounds by promoting understanding of and mutual respect for diversity. Child benefit when ECEC services do this because it creates an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and feel connected. A strong sense of belonging will help CHITRA understand and appreciate differences in herself and others, which ultimately benefit her mental health and wellbeing.
Finally, Educator can also help Chitra to feel connected and develop a sense of belonging by providing her with opportunities to make contact with other children at the service. When this takes place, there are many benefits to Chitra's mental health and wellbeing, such as developing empathy and building positive relationships with others.

[Lorina]

I think for this question you will need to add examples and practices of what educators can do for Chitra.

Educators can play a central role in supporting Chitra with diverse cultural backgrounds and her family by promoting and implementing inclusive practices and supporting them to build strong connections to community support during times of transition.

How can they do this practically? What are some examples?

,
Lorina

[Lorina]

Belonging

To understand that you are part of a group, feeling that you are part of a family. Having a feeling that you are linked with others and experience important relationships. A child’s sense of belonging can be referred to their relationships with family members – recognizing mum, dad, siblings, grandparents etc. Within early childhood, a child’s sense of belonging can relate to how comfortable a child is within the setting, having a sense of trust and security with childcare professionals. When a child has a sense of belonging they are more confident, feel more secure, be more creative and more likely to explore the world of learning.

Strategies to include Belonging:

Being respectful and accepting of diversity
Showing mutual respect
Have knowledge of families within the centre
Provide positive and caring relationships
Engage and interact with children
Making families feel welcomed
Appreciating children for their individuality
Create meaningful learning within the environment
Meet each individual child’s needs
Provide a sense of security

Ref: Understanding EYLF

,
Lorina