What is Diversity and Inclusion?

What is DEI?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (sometimes shortened to the acronym DEI) is a way to recognize differences between people in a community and celebrate it. Let’s break down this term a bit:

Diversity: differences that include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, physical/mental ability, religious beliefs, etc.

Equity: making a fair and equal environment for everyone.

Inclusion: involve and empower individuals. Inclusion promotes belonging, and shows a respect for a wide range of talents and abilities.

Importance of promoting DEI with children

Children can become aware of differences between themselves and their peers, such as skin color, at as early as six-months-old. Because of this, it is important for your little one’s social emotional learning to help your child recognize differences between people in a positive way.

By talking with your child about diversity early on, they will be encouraged to become curious about the world, and want to learn more about cultures and places outside of where they live. Promoting DEI awareness with your child in their early childhood education can also allow them to become more empathetic to people who are different than them. 

Ways to promote DEI with children

Promoting DEI with your child is simple, and can benefit them in significant ways in their early childhood education and throughout their lives.

For starters, acknowledging and celebrating differences with your child can show them that differences are exciting. After all, the world would be so boring if we were all the same!

If your child asks you a question about DEI that you do not have an immediate answer for, it is okay to take a bit of time to research and answer their question later. This not only encourages them to expand their social emotional learning and ask questions about DEI, but can allow for a way for you and your child to both learn something new to expand your understanding of DEI.

Engaging with diverse media such as shows and books can also promote DEI, as this can be an entertaining and informative way for your child to see people who are different from them, learn new facts, and expand their social emotional learning through their early childhood education.

Ultimately, DEI is an ongoing process, no matter your age. By introducing your child to this concept early on in their social emotional learning, they will have a more expansive view of their world through their early childhood education and as they grow up!

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