| Building Cultural Connections
  
The Building Cultural Connections
curriculum was developed and approved by the State of Minnesota Department of
Children, Families, and Learning. The program focuses on the importance of
culture in the healthy social development of all children rather than focusing
on one specific culture or ethnicity. The curriculum addresses many of the
concepts that are common in working with children and families around
differences in culture and ability.
Building Cultural Connections
(BCC) was developed specifically for childcare providers and staff; however,
trainings are open to any person or group wanting to explore the importance of a
healthy cultural development in every child. Trainings are delivered on an open
registration basis or can be held at an agency for private group trainings. When
needed, BCC will design a workshop for the specific needs of a childcare center,
organization, agency, or business. The Building Cultural Connections initiative
currently has over 50 certified trainers. These trainers come from across the
state of Minnesota representing various cultural and professional backgrounds.
Training Descriptions:
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Do as I Say, Not as I Do:
Sending Children Positive Messages
(BCC - Module A) 2 hours
Look at the messages from adults that shaped your life as a child. How did
they impact you and shape your culture? In this workshop participants will
interactively explore the importance of childhood messages and the impact they
have in the development of a healthy cultural identity.
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That’s the Way They All Are:
How Stereotypes Affect Child Development
(BCC - Module B) 2 hours
Even if you do not have a diverse classroom, you will learn why an
appreciation for diversity is an essential skill in order for children to
succeed in a world full of differences. This interactive training will give
you insight into attitudes and actions that you can use to teach children to
appropriately handle the differences they encounter.
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Where did You Learn that
Word: Countering Bias in the Classroom
(BCC - Module C) 2 hours
Ever wondered where children get those crazy ideas about differences? This
training demonstrates how children become aware of differences that surround
them and how they begin responding to them. Learn how you can help children
develop healthy values about differences in culture, ability, and class.
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A Positive Environment Starts
with Me: Self Evaluation and Positive Change
(BCC - Module D) 2 hours
If you are looking for practical skills and ideas for how to be more
culturally competent in your childcare setting, this class is for you. You
will learn how to assess your environment and activities, as well as gain some
new ideas on communicating with children about differences.
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Investing in the Future: How
to Positively Teach Children about a World Full of Differences 6 hours
All four workshops combined into an in-depth training focusing on developing a
positive learning environment in the classroom.
Building Cultural Connections is currently offered through the Child Care Resource and Referral
Office in your area as part of their Professional Development Opportunities for
Early Childhood and School-Age Programs.
Check for the child care resource and referral
office for your area.
If you would like more information about Building Cultural Connections, or would
like to schedule a workshop, or need help in finding educational opportunities
in your area, please contact me.
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