10 Cultural Competencies

What is cultural competence and why does it matter?

Culture is a collection of shared ideas, beliefs, values, activities, and knowledge that can be shaped by history, geography, religion, race, ethnicity, language, and traditions. Culture is informed by past events but is also shaped by individuals and groups within the culture meaning that culture is always changing. Cultural competence can be thought of as the ability to both understand and communicate with people across cultures. It is important that we are aware that we all have a culture that involves certain practices and values and this culture both influences and is influenced by our experiences and actions. However, cultural competence is more than just being aware that other cultures exist. It can also be thought of as being able to interact with individuals of a different cultural background than one’s own.

Cultural competence in early care and education classrooms can positively impact young children in multiple ways. Children who are cared for by teachers who are culturally competent are more likely to feel accepted and cared for in the classroom as well as develop a positive view of themselves and their families. In addition, children are also more likely to be accepting and empathetic toward other children and engage in pro-social behaviours. This is extremely important as there is research to suggest that children’s early social-emotional skills are largely predictive of their later social-emotional skills as well as the interactions they have with peers and the people around them.

Building cultural competence in your classroom

One helpful way to think about the classroom space is that it should serve as both a mirror and a window. Children should be able to see their own culture reflected through the activities, decorations, and materials in the classroom (the mirror) and they should also be able to see other cultures displayed in the classroom as well (the window). Focusing on both “the mirror” and “the window” will allow children to feel safe and included as well as encourage them to be empathetic and accepting of people who are different from themselves. It can also be a great tool to encourage self-expression as well as general curiosity about the world. Here are some specific things you can do to demonstrate cultural competence in your classroom.

Representing children’s first language. It is important that children feel included and represented in the classroom. Try to ensure there are written words and reading materials in the first language of every child in your classroom. Similarly, share some songs in a child’s first language that is different from the majority of children in your classroom.

Traditions and celebrations can be a wonderful way for children to learn about diverse cultures. You can invite families to share their own cultural traditions or simply talk with children about different celebrations around the world. Food can also be a fun way to teach children about different cultures.

Pictures and books are a terrific resource for celebrating cultural differences. Think about the materials displayed in the classroom. If there are pictures in the classroom these should reflect the diversity in your classroom. In addition, the books you read and are available to children should represent diverse characters. Again, think of the mirror and the window!

Be mindful of how you discuss cultural differences. Try not to make assumptions about a child or their family–stereotyping can be extremely harmful. When learning about another culture encourage children to be open and not judgmental and think of differences as something to be celebrated not something to be overcome!

Take a moment to think about how you would define your own culture. How would you describe it to someone who does not know you well? How do you think it has shaped your attitudes and beliefs? This awareness of your own culture along with the recognition that some people come from similar cultural backgrounds to you and others likely come from very different cultural backgrounds, is one of the first steps to becoming culturally competent.

Understanding other cultures and becoming more culturally competent is a journey. Be kind to yourself and recognize that you might make mistakes in trying to understand other cultures. However, if you approach cultures that are different from your own from a place of curiosity and interest it can make a big difference.

Penn State Extension. (2021, November 16). Cultural Competency in Early Care and Education Classrooms. Better Kid Care.  https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/news/cultural-competency-in-early-care-and-education-classrooms