CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION ON CHIDREN

• Reasons:
• Stereotypical attitudes
• People making assumptions about what children can do
• This can affect the children in various ways
• Discrimination of any kind can prevent a feeling of self worth.

NURSERY OR PLAYGROUP FIRST EXPERIENCE

• Children need to feel:-
• Valued for themselves-as individuals.
• Feel part of things and a sense of belonging.
• To feel accepted by others
• To feel they matter to people, a sense of self worth.

AFFECTED BY STEREOTYPES OR LABLES

• Children will start to believe in labels applied to them.
• Behave in accordance with others 'expectations'
• This then becomes a 'self fulfilling prophecy'
• Distress and anger can prevent children from playing together.
• It can prevent co- operation. Be aggressive towards others.

THE EFFECTS:

• Unable to fulfil potential Feel their efforts aren't valued or recognised by others
• Find it hard to form relationships.
• Feel shame about their own cultural background
• Feel that they are to blame for their unfair treatment and withdraw into themselves
• Lack of confidence in trying new activities. Always being ridiculed or put down.

AVOID LABLES OR STEREOTYPES

• ' the boy with the glasses'
• ' the Asian girl'
• ' the girl with the pretty dress'
• ' the deaf child'
• Always use the child's name.

CHALLENGE DISCRIMINATION

• Children pick on weaker children or 'different' children
• If you see a child teasing, insulting or hitting
• Explain that such behaviour is hurtful
• Have a positive attitude towards all children you meet
• So they cannot feel the effects of discrimination

INDIRECT DISCRIMINATION

• Lables applied to children initiated by discussion
• Results in a common form of indirect discrimination
• The children are then unfairly treated because of assumptions
• Important that you are fair
• Treat all children with a fair approach in your care.

CONSIDER HOW YOU PRACTICE

• Everyone to follow policies and procedures
• Practitioners have the same attitudes and values.
• Respect for parents and families
• Knowledge and understanding of individual backgrounds.
• Knowing cultures and understanding expectations.

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• Planning to meet the children's needs and rights
• Ensuring the welfare of the child.
• Enrol for regular training and go on courses
• Update your professional development as procedures change.

DISABILITY AND DISCRIMINATION

• Difficulty in access, wheelchairs, pushchairs,prams.
• Children who look different
• Hidden disability- ADHD, Deafness,Autism
• Families who have financial difficulties and care costs
• Statementing can take months - practitioners can loose heart

SUPPORT AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS INCLUSIVE

• Promote cultural diversity
• Provide positive images
• Arrange activities to encourage intergration
• Special needs children to participate with others
• Learn sign language.

PROMOTE EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

• Research different cultures,religions & special needs
• Activities should be planned which enable
• Children to explore everyday experiences
• Different cultures & backgrounds
• Enable children to express their feelings

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SPECIALIST AIDS & EQUIPMENT & ENVIRONMENTS

• Knowing how to use equipment safely
• Parent /teacher communication
• A knowledge of the child's stage of development
• His or her temperament & any additional needs
• Promote strengths

ENVIRONMENTS

• Sound stimulation
• Ball pools
• Warm- water pools
• Sensory rooms
• Positioning children on special cushions

RAISING STANDARDS

SENSORY ENVIRONMENT

SENSORY ENVIRONMENT

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