Environment and Curriculum Checklist

Based on your observation and teacher interviews which are summarized in the Scribbles Preschool Classroom Description, analyze the environment for culturally responsive practices by noting whether the indicator is present or absent in the classroom. In the notes box provided, include a brief rationale that supports your analysis, which will assist you in completing your Director’s Reflection.

Physical Environment and Materials
Yes, No Do books, pictures/posters, and videos/movies:
• Include children and adults of color, as well as children and adults who are white?
• Project a fair balance of men and women doing similar jobs, both inside and outside of the home?
• Include stories about different cultures represented accurately and respectfully—currently and historically?
• Accurately and respectfully show variances in individual abilities in a variety of settings, including family roles, recreational activities, and employment positions?
• Feature important people who reflect racial/ethnic, gender, and diversity in ability?
• Avoid the use of stereotypes (e.g., cowboys and Indians)?
• Accurately and respectfully depict people in a variety of social/economic classes, including working class, middle class, and upper class?
• Accurately and respectfully show pictures of older people engaged in a variety of activities.
Notes:

Language
Yes No • Are children provided with a variety of opportunities to see and hear different languages, including in books, songs, and music?
• Are the languages spoken by the children and families within the classroom community reflected in books, songs, and music?
Notes:

Toy and Play Materials
Yes No • Do dolls represent a fair balance of all the major racial and ethnic groups in the United States—White, African American, Latino, Asian-Pacific Islander, Native American?
• Do dolls represent balance in gender?
• Do colored paper, crayons, and play dough include a variety of skin tones and colors?
Notes:

Cultural Traditions
Yes No • Are children exposed to art, music, and folktales, and celebrations of different religions and cultural groups in ways that go beyond a focus on holidays?
• Do snacks and meals include foods and dishes from a variety of cultures?
Notes:
Adapted from: Ingram, P. D. (2012). Creating a culturally diverse childcare environment. Retrieved from http://www.teachingforchange.org/wp- content/uploads/2012/08/ec_creatingaculturallydiverse_english.pdf