Affirming the Use of Indigenous Knowledge to Meet Curricula and Assessment Requirements in American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start Programs
Log Number: ACF-OHS-IM-24-03 | Issuance Date: 09-17-2024
Culture and Language
Head Start programs are committed to providing equitable access to comprehensive services that prepare children for school and life. An important part of this commitment is recognizing and respecting the culture and language of the children and their families.
Head Start programs put into practice an equity-focused mindset in several ways. They implement anti-bias and nurturing environments. They promote protective and supportive factors for children’s and family’s health and well-being. And they provide educational opportunities, systems, and policies that position each child to reach their highest level of learning and life potential.
Programs do this while emphasizing children’s cultural and linguistic strengths and holding high expectations for all. Administrators, teachers, providers, caregivers, and families can use these resources to promote a positive experience for all children and by emphasizing children’s cultural and linguistic strengths.
Supporting Preschool Learning with American Sign Language
In this webinar, learn about American Sign Language (ASL) and how this visual language supports learning for all preschoolers.
Dual Language Learners with Disabilities or Suspected Delays
Supporting children who are dual language learners who also have a disability or suspected delay requires intentional support. Learn to design inclusive learning experiences to support their development.
Exposure to Different Cultures Promotes Understanding
Read about the value of exposure to diverse cultures to promote equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Dual Language Instruction Supports Young Learners
Read about the value of continued home language development while facilitating the acquisition of English. Review helpful resources that promote a planned approach to supporting home language development.
Inclusive Systems Help Adults and Children Thrive
Learn about the importance of program policies and practices that promote the well-being of all children, families, and staff.
Quality Programming Reflects the Diverse Cultures Within the Community
Read about the importance of learning from families, staff, and the community in the development of culturally sustaining programming. Review resources that promote culturally sustaining programming.
Staff Diversity Matters
Learn about the value of the reflecting the cultures of the community in the recruitment, hiring, and support of program staff. Review strategies that build program capacity to reflect and affirm community culture.
Multicultural Principles for Early Childhood Leaders
The Multicultural Principles promote an equity-focused mindset and culturally sustaining practices that respect and validate children and families’ identity to support development and learning.
Equitable Programs Embrace Reflection and Change
Learn why recognizing and addressing bias and stereotypes is a necessary first step for culturally sustaining service delivery. Review practical strategies that promote equitable learning communities.