Anti-bias education in early childhood, preparing teachers for diversity

grantor: University of TorontoIn response to the changing demographics of Canadian society, this thesis proposes that anti-bias education is a key to working with young children and their families to respect and recognize the validity of ethnocultural diversity, and to nurture cross-cultural awareness and understanding. Using qualitative methodology integrating a critical perspective, the study collected data on Early Childhood teacher preparation programs across Ontario to determine what strategies were in place to prepare teachers for working with diversity. Comprehensive data was gathered using a triangulation of interviews, document analysis and focus groups. A content analysis of the documents and the transcripts raised several themes which were discussed in the context of a wide ranging literature review. Verbatim comments from the transcripts give voice to the participants. The findings suggested that while efforts were being made to prepare teachers for diversity there were many barriers to overcome. The thesis concludes with a model for incorporating diversity content into early childhood teacher preparation programs and offers recommendations for implementation.Ed.D