Daycare Holiday Celebrations
The issue of inclusiveness at the holidays.
Because of the high percentage of faith-based centers, respect for different faiths during the holidays may not seem as great of an issue, but it is still paramount.
The little ones that we serve view the month of December with a great deal of anticipation as thoughts of sugar plums run through their heads. This is also the time of year where a plethora of Christmas crafts and homemade gifts are created for appreciative parents. However, with Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah all occurring around the same time, the holidays can cause some children to feel excluded if some holidays are emphasized and others are ignored.
Oftentimes this is less of an issue for daycare and preschool centers that are privately owned and operated. These centers can operate from one certain faith perspective and tend to attract families that share a similar perspective or do not have a strong religious preference. For these centers this is typically a time where they find the greatest joy and fulfillment as children ask questions about the reasons behind the celebrations that are occurring. However, this can be more of an issue for centers such as Head Start and other public daycare centers and preschools that are operated by the government.
How can daycare centers ensure that the background of all of the attending children is honored during this season? One important factor is to showcase each holiday through books, crafts and songs. In recent years many more books on holidays around the world have been published and it is increasingly easier to honor these differences. In addition to celebrating these holiday differences, it is important to listen to the students speaking and to listen in for any indications that individuals may be feeling like outsiders. It is also important to emphasize the different holidays in such a way that one is not considered “normal” and the others are “special.” Each holiday should be appreciated for the unique traditions that differentiate it and for the deeper meaning behind them on equal footing.
Visit my article on holiday gifts for daycare teachers: Daycare Teacher Gifts. And be sure to visit my blog on the Worst Teacher Gifts ever!
Also, visit my most recent blog on this topic, Preschool Christmas Concerts.
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