Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Classrooms - post

What does “ #culturally-responsive” mean in child care?

In a child care #classroom, children come with different #languages, foods, family traditions, and ways of learning. Culturally responsive teaching means you notice those differences—and you use them to help every child feel #safe, seen, and ready to learn.

It is not about doing a “ #culture day” once a year. It is about everyday choices that show respect. This helps children build pride in who they are. It also helps children learn to respect others. 

Why does this matter for young children?  

Young children learn best when they feel they belong. When a child sees their #home life respected at school, they are more likely to:

• join activities
• try new words
• make friends
• handle big feelings
• stay engaged during learning

This matters for all children—children who speak English, children who speak other languages, and children with different abilities and family structures.

How can you build a classroom where every child feels they belong?

Start with the things children see and touch every day.

Try these simple steps:

• Use #books with many kinds of families and #cultures. Look for different skin tones, languages, and traditions.
• Add #play materials that reflect real life. Dolls with different skin tones, pretend foods from different cultures, and clothing from around the world.
• Label items in more than one language when you can. For example: “door / puerta.”
• Display family photos (with permission). This makes the room feel more like “home.”
• Make sure the room is accessible. Children with disabilities should be able to move, reach, and participate.

A welcoming space sends a strong message: “You belong here.” #CulturalDiversity

How do you teach in a way that respects different cultures?

Culturally responsive teaching is mostly about how you teach.

Helpful teaching habits:

• Learn about children’s home routines. Sleep, meals, greetings, and comfort can look different across families.
• Use clear routines and visuals. Picture schedules help all children, especially Dual Language Learners.
• Give choices in activities. Let children show learning in more than one way (drawing, building, talking, acting it out).
• Use children’s interests and experiences. If a child talks about a family celebration, build a story, art project, or music activity from it.

What should you do when children ask questions about differences?

Children notice differences. That is normal and #healthy.

When a child asks a question like, “Why does she wear that?” or “Why is his skin darker?” you can:

• Stay calm and kind.
• Give a simple, respectful answer.
• Avoid shushing or changing the topic.

Example response:
“Yes, people can look different. That’s one of the beautiful things about families.”

These moments teach #empathy and respect in real time. 

How can you partner with families in a respectful way?

Families are your best #teachers when it comes to culture and language. Good partnerships build trust.

Try these family-friendly ideas:

• Ask families what name to use. Learn correct pronunciation.
• Use short, clear messages. Avoid jargon.
• Invite families to share (only if they want). A song, a story, a photo, or a recipe can be great.
• Be careful with “holiday celebrations.” Instead of assuming, ask families what they celebrate—or if they celebrate at all.

A simple question like “What should we know to support your child?” can go a long way.

How can you support children who speak another language at home?

You do not have to speak a child’s home language to support them well. You can still help them feel safe, understood, and confident.

Quick wins that really help:

• Use gestures and facial expressions
• Use pictures for directions and routines
• Learn a few key words (hello, bathroom, eat, help)
• Give children time to respond (don’t rush them)

For more ideas, read this ChildCareEd article:

• Supporting Dual Language Learners in Child Care Settings (ChildcareED)

What are easy activities that celebrate language and culture? 

Here’s a simple, fun option you can use right away:

• Free ChildCareEd resource: Language Treasure Hunt
  This printable activity helps children build bilingual vocabulary and notice connections between languages in a #playful way. 

You can also add small routines like:

• greeting songs in different languages
• “family words” (children teach the class a word from home)
• music and movement from different places (with respectful context)

How do you check if your teaching is truly inclusive?

Use a quick self-check once a month.

Ask yourself:

• Do classroom books and posters show many cultures and abilities?
• Do children hear their names said correctly?
• Do I avoid stereotypes (like “all families eat this”)?
• Do I talk about differences in a respectful, positive way? 
• Do I include family voices when planning?

Small improvements add up fast.

Which ChildCareEd courses can help you grow these skills?

If you want more step-by-step tools, these ChildCareEd courses connect closely to inclusive and culturally aware teaching:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education 
• Strength in Differences: Cultural Diversity 
• From Play to Planning: Building Culturally Competent, Child-Centered Curriculum 

These trainings focus on practical strategies like inclusive materials, anti-bias thinking, and planning learning experiences that respect children’s identities. 

Want more quick tips and ideas each week?

Follow ChildCareEd on social media for short videos, classroom ideas, and training updates. Start here:

• ChildCareEd on Linktree (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more)