Problem
Malaika, 3-years-old, is a newly enrolled Muslim girl who is orientating into the Kindergarten room today, with the support of her mother, Samara.
Samara explains that Malaika is learning how to use the toilet using Islamic practice and wonders if the room educators could assist Malaika by reminding her to enter the toilet with her left foot first and if they could give her a small container (provided by home) filled with fresh water, for her to wash herself with after relieving herself.
Carol, Little Catalysts ELC Director, respects and upholds the rights of employees, clients and children alike with regard to cultural diversity and expects that these perspectives are reflected by all personnel at the service. Carol takes inclusive practice very seriously and works consistently at ensuring a culture of celebrating diversity is maintained.
Kaleb (one of the educators at Little Catalysts) comes to Carol and asks for a few private moments in the office. He reports that he overheard one of the Kindergarten educators, Sarina, complaining about having to meet Samara's request for supporting Islamic practices for toileting with Malaika. Allegedly, Sarina said that she '...wasn't going to do it, if no-one else was looking, it's too much hassle!'
• Identify the learning opportunity that is present in this situation for other children and families who attend the service.
• Describe the techniques/strategies you would use to take advantage of the teaching opportunity you identified, that Malaika's cultural practices and background present. ensure you provide strategies that would support children's understanding of inclusion and diversity, as well as respectful and ethical interactions with each other