Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood Education

Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood presents a social justice perspective on developing early childhood professionals’ cultural competence and ability to engage children in exploring and appreciating diversity. It couples essential foundational knowledge and definitions about diversity with clear applications for engaging in culturally responsive practices with children, families, and colleagues. New and experienced early childhood educators embark on a reflective journey to explore personal attitudes and values related to human diversity and culturally competent teaching, while learning to identify, explain, and use effective strategies for supporting and celebrating diverse children and families.

Lissanna Follari has been a faculty in early childhood teacher education programs for 13 years and is currently Director for the Bachelors of Innovation in Inclusive Early Childhood Education with the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. She has written two textbooks with Pearson, Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education, 3^rd edition, and Valuing Diversity in Early Childhood, 1^st edition, both published in 2014. She began her career as a passionate educator for young children and families two decades ago and has taught toddlers through elementary school children. Along the way, Dr. Follari also served in child care and lab school administration roles, always promoting play-based, whole-child centered learning environments filled with wonder and beauty for children and teachers alike. She presents trainings and workshops at several regional and national conferences annually in addition to teaching and writing. Above all else, Dr. Follari is a dedicated advocate for joy and excellence in early childhood care and education; passions that are fueled by her most important role as a mother.