Creating Education That is Multicultural in Preschool and Kindergarten Settings

In recent years, strategies for multicultural education and human relations have been applied to progressively younger preschool children. This paper identifies five approaches to multicultural education, then goes on to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the predominant human relations approach. Challenging issues encountered in applying multicultural education to early childhood programs are then discussed. It is argued that a program committed to multicultural education will create an environment, recruit a staff, involve community resources, and provide toys and learning materials that reflect the diversity of the broader society. Recommendations concern: (1) creation of a multicultural environment; (2) parent involvement; (3) developmentally appropriate activities; and (4) holiday issues. It is concluded that the most important short-term goals may be enhancement of self-esteem and appreciation of human diversity. Long-range benefits will include preparing young people to build a more equitable and inclusive society. (RH)