when families challenge our inclusive practices - educating families about inclusive pedagogy

When families challenge our inclusive practices.
Education and Care services offer rich opportunities for children to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them.  They are places where children learn how to respectfully live, play, and grow alongside diverse others. One of the most important lessons children learn in the early years space is respect for diversity—the understanding that people come from different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and that these differences make our communities richer.

But what happens when as passionate, inclusive Educators going about our daily inclusive practices, we are confronted by families that challenge our ideas around inclusivity and our inclusive programs & practices?

​“I don’t want my child celebrating Ramadan, Diwali, Chinese New Year – not only are these religious based but they also don’t mean anything to our family.”                                            
“I have a problem with my child’s Centre celebrating Christmas. We don't celebrate Christmas at home."                                                                                                                                   
“My child should not have to do an Acknowledgement of Country every day. That is adult business and not appropriate for child care."                                                                             
“Why does a 5 year old need to learn how to say ’hello’ or ‘count to 10’ in different languages?”                                                                                                                                       
"Why are you teaching my child about the symbol of ‘The Cross’?” (when in fact, the cross shape that appeared in the activity was actually the letter  “t”).

These are common examples of challenges received by Educators from families, which often highlight how easy it is for misunderstandings, concerns or uncertainties to occur when families aren’t well informed about:
- Service ‘Inclusion’ philosophies & policies;
- Early Years Learning Frameworks that we pivot our programs & children’s experiences on;
- Inclusive Pedagogy;
- Curriculum learning intentions.
 
So what is a simple way to engage in difficult conversations with families who challenge inclusive practices?
Firstly, it is important to assure them that you understand and acknowledge their concerns. Have open, honest discussions with them about your perspective. Talk about the importance and benefits of inclusion and the reasons that you practice inclusivity, including the Early Childhood Framework obligations.

Highlight that Education & Care services aim to be extensions of children’s home environments, culturally safe spaces where equity, diversity & inclusion are at the forefront of all pedagogy and practice.

Encourage them to understand that as an Education & Care Service and practitioner, you take pride in the thoughtfully planned programs that help build children’s confidence, strengthen their sense of belonging, and support their understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways people live, celebrate and connect.
​
Your programs, resources, environments, and daily practices are designed to foster diversity & inclusion. Educators & practitioners work to ensure that EVERY child (including theirs) is seen, heard, represented, and celebrated in their Education & Care setting. Cultural celebrations and festivals can play a significant role in this—creating cultural familiarity, cultural safety, cultural pride and a sense of belonging for some children, while also fostering cultural awareness and an appreciation/respect for diversity in others. These experiences lay the groundwork for children to grow into inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive global citizens.
 
What Inclusive Practice Looks Like At Our Service:

• We are learning about the diverse cultures represented by children and families at our Service. Celebrating festivals for example is not practising religion. Exploring cultural festivals often focuses on food, art, music, stories, symbols and community traditions, not religious instruction.
• Inclusion provides choice. Families can always speak with Educators if they prefer their child not participate in certain activities. Respectfully, children will be offered alternative activities. Suggestions by family are welcome!
• Valuing every child & family. Children thrive when they see parts of their own family culture reflected in the environment and when they learn about others in a positive way.
• Promoting respect for diversity. When children learn to appreciate differences and similarities early on, they grow into adults who are more empathetic, open-minded, and inclusive.

 
Let’s educate families, find ways to work together to foster inclusion and help bring out the “Inclusionista” in them.
Every family has a voice and a choice and should be heard with regards to what they see suitable for their child.                                                                                                        
INFORMATION is POWER and the best that we can do is provide information around our choices. RELATIONSHIPS and GOOD COMMUNICATION are also key. In most instances, issues are resolved using this recipe.                                                                           
Our families need to understand that when they challenge our inclusive programs, they are also challenging children’s rights and the Early Childhood Frameworks that are built on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Such challenges may limit children’s opportunities (including their own children) to understand and experience diversity, and can disrupt a Service’s ability to foster inclusivity, belonging & cultural safety for all.                                                          
Let’s aim to educate families about our Early Years Learning Frameworks, direct them to and familiarise them with our Service philosophy & policies that are grounded on inclusion. Have honest conversations about their concerns, reassure them, aim to find solutions that work for all parties. Invite them to lead & participate in inclusion programs and celebrations that they feel comfortable with.
If a family prefers their child to not participate in certain cultural events or activities, Educators can provide appropriate alternative experiences. Families are encouraged to remain mindful and respectful and should not expect the service to cancel certain celebrations or programs simply because these do not align with their personal philosophies or beliefs.                               
In instances where families continue to challenge, despite attempts to find a mutual solution, Services have every right to suggest to families that inclusive practices are paramount here, and that this may not be the right service for them.

To sum up!                                                                                                                                
Inclusive practice is a shared responsibility. When families and Educators work together with openness and mutual respect, children benefit from a learning environment where every culture, identity, and way of being is valued and every child experiences a sense of belonging. Diversity & inclusive practices should not be cancelled or avoided.
Such important concepts for children to explore and celebrate from an early age, eventually become foundations for respect that last a lifetime.
                                                                                                                       
Here’s to families that embrace inclusion and get excited about your diverse programs that celebrate diversity and every child! Sometimes it’s our job to help them get there.
The poster above has been developed by Diversity Kids as a resource to explain inclusion to families and remind them how inclusive your Service is. Diversity Kids also have a similar “We Are An Inclusive Service” resource, translated into several community languages for families.