ECHC H3020: Equality and
Diversity in Early Childhood
Short Title:
Equality and Diversity in Early Childhood APPROVED
Full Title:
Equality and Diversity in Early Childhood
Module Code:
ECHC H3020
ECTS credits:
5
NFQ Level:
7
Module Delivered in
2 programme(s)
Module Contributor:
Colette Murray
Module Description:
This module aims to develop the student's understanding of diversity and equality in the early childhood
setting. It promotes their preparation for addressing diversity and equality issues they will encounter in the
setting. They will explore theories, approaches and activities for addressing respect and recognition of
diversity in the setting and society. Students will analyse research on both children's and adults
understanding and response to diversity in ECCE. Finally, student will have the opportunity to reflect on their
role, and the effect of their own values and attitudes on practice.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
1. Define equality and diversity concepts as relevant to the Irish context.
2. Analyse approaches to diversity education including assimilation, multicultural, intercultural and anti-bias.
3. Explain equality and diversity terminology including stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism,
homophobia and derogatory terms.
4. Describe and illustrate how to provide a holistic and inclusive environment for all children.
5. Analyse and discuss the role of children, families and practitioners in maintaining or addressing prejudice and
discrimination in society.
6. Articulate the role of values and attitudes as part of diversity and equality in professional practice.
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ECHC H3020: Equality and
Diversity in Early Childhood
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Diversity and Equality Competence
• Concepts and Terminology • Equality and Diversity • Stereotype, prejudice, discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia etc. •
Derogatory terms, their meaning and consequences • Diversity as a minority and majority issue • Learning from the past • Attitudes and
values
Curriculum Approaches and Research
• Assimilation • Multiculturalism • Interculturalism • Anti-bias • Explore the Anti-bias principles and goals in detail • Research finding on
Children’s and Practitioners awareness, thinking and behaviour in relation to diversity. • Lessons learned and new work on diversity and
equality in the Early Childhood field.
Diversity and Equality in Practice
• Encouraging self-esteem in ECCE • Identity Belonging and self esteem • Exploring ways of recognising and respecting diversity in the
setting in keeping with the Diversity and Equality Guidelines (2006) • How to equality-proof an ECCE setting. • Choosing and using books •
Address how to counter and deal bias within ECCE using appropriate methods. Understanding how to implement an Anti-bias approach
Consequences of ignoring diversity and equality issues Changes to ensure all children are included.
Indicative Assessment Breakdown
%
Course Work Assessment %
100.00%
Course Work Assessment %
Assessment
Type
Assessment Description
Outcome
addressed
% of
total
Assessment
Date
Project
The assessment of this module will be by Reflective Journal based on
the work of the programme. It will also consist of an equality proofing
project in an ECEC setting.
1,2,3,4,5,6
100.00
n/a
No Final Exam Assessment %
Indicative Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
ITB reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
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ECHC H3020: Equality and
Diversity in Early Childhood
Indicative Module Workload & Resources
Indicative Workload: Full Time
Frequency
Indicative Average Weekly Learner Workload
Every Week
3.00
Resources
Recommended Book Resources
Murray, Colette., & Urban Mathias 2012, Diversity & Equality in Early Childhood, 1st Ed Ed., Gill & Macmillan Ltd Dublin [ISBN:
9780717149940]
Derman-Sparks, Louise and the A. B. C. Task Force 1989, Anti-bias curriculum, 1st ED Ed., 12, National Association for the
Education of Young Children Washington, D.C. [ISBN: 093598920X]
Office of the Minister for Children 2006, Diversity and Equality Guidelines for Childcare Providers, 1st Ed Ed., Government
Stationery Office Dublin
Wolpert, Ellen 2005, Start Seeing Diversity the basic guide to an Anti-bias classroom, Redleaf Press Minnesota [ISBN:
1929610653]
Supplementary Book Resources
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. 2012, Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, National Assocation for
the Education of Young Children Washington D C [ISBN: 1928896677]
Siraj-Blatchford, Iram 1994, The early years, 8, Trentham Books Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England [ISBN: 0948080647]
Brooker, Liz., & Woodhead, Martin (Eds) 2008, Developing Positive Identities: Diversity and Young Children, Bernard van Leer
Foundation Netherlands
Murphy Kilbride, Kenise (Ed) 1997, Include me too!, 13, Harcourt Brace Canada Toronto [ISBN: 0774733586]
Brown, Babette, Unlearning Discrimination in the Early Years, 8, Trentham Books [ISBN: 1858561221]
Van Ausdale, Debra and Feagin, Joe R., The first R, Lanham, Md. ; Rowman & Littlefield, c2001. [ISBN: 0847688615]
Barnardos 2002, Diversity in Early Childhood, 1st Ed Ed., 7, Barnardos Dublin
Brown, Babette 2001, Combating Discrimination, 10, Trentham Books UK [ISBN: 1858562392]
Bernard van Leer Foundation (Ed) 2007, Promoting social inclusion and respect for diversity in the early years, Bernard van
Leer Foundation Netherlands [ISBN: 13879553]
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
n/a: DECET
http://www.decet.org
n/a: EDENN
http://www.edenn.org
Module Delivered in
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Programme Code
Programme
Semester
Delivery
BN_HECHC_8
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education [240 ECTS credits]
6
Mandatory
BN_HECHC_7
Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education [180 ECTS credits]
6
Mandatory
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