How do we begin to understand diversity in early childhood in order to combat biases? There are many layers of diversity within families that are important to examine. We must consider ethnic diversity first and foremost as we engage in a conversation regarding diversity, as we know (or should know) the history of people of color in the US and the challenges and adversities that we have experienced. In the context of this book, understanding diversity begins with positioning a definition that encompasses the realities of many families particularly across the US such as immigration status, gender, family structure, sexual identity, class, and spiritual beliefs. We also see the importance to talking about race within the context of early childhood.

Mari Riojas-Cortez, Ph.D. is Professor and Program Chair of Early Childhood. As an educational researcher, Dr. Riojas-Cortez examines Latino issues in early childhood including family engagement, childrens play and early childhood teacher preparation.

Preface: Mari Riojas-Cortez

Foreword: Bekisizwe Ndimande

Introduction: Mari Riojas-Cortez

Chapter 1: Preparing Early Childhood Teachers for the Importance of Seeing Color in Children: Blooms Taxonomy as a Guide by Kimberly Davidson, Flora Farago, and Terry Husband

Chapter 2: Addressing lgbtq+ Issues with Preservice Teachers in Conservative Spaces by Kenya E. Wolff and Janice Kroeger

Chapter 3: Ready for our Immigrant Children: Preparing Early Childhood Educators to Work with Immigrant Children and their Families by Wilma Robles-Melendez

Chapter 4: Religion in Early Childhood: Guidelines for Preservice Teachers by Ruth Vilà Baños, Montserrat Freixa Niella, Assumpta Aneas, and Angelina Sánchez Martí

References

About the Author and Contributors