Cultural Dimensions and Self-Evaluation for the Early Childhood Professional

This is a fully online, self-paced, asynchronous course.

Continuing Education hours: 1.5

Featured Expert: Mary Lugo, MS, CCC-SLP/BE

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, learners can:

1. identify surface, shallow, and deep aspects of culture.
2. identify and acknowledge their own aspects of culture as they relate to early intervention practice.

With ever-evolving US demographics, you will inevitably interact with individuals from multilingual backgrounds. Educators and early interventionists often cite this area as one they feel underprepared or overwhelmed to work within. This module will guide you through explorations of self, elements of culture, and how to consider them in your approaches. 

Culture often comes to mind when thinking of language and its development, as the two are inextricably linked. In order to study multilingual development and work with multilingual families, culture must be accounted for. In your profession, you have likely heard, discussed, and explored the importance of culture in practice. Early intervention providers are entering into increasingly diverse communities as the nation’s demography continues to change. Before delving further into multilingual considerations, we must first explore our own backgrounds and, in some cases, the baggage we bring to the table. As a human being, reflect on the role culture plays in developing your attitudes and beliefs. Using an adapted framework introduced by Wendy Bradshaw (2012) from the University of South Florida, you will have the opportunity to explore, learn, and develop culturally responsive practices beginning with your own self-exploration.

This professional development is available at no charge for child-serving professionals in Monroe County, New York. Learn more: Continuing Education for Child-Serving Professionals