Planning for Equity as a Professional Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the repres

Planning for Equity as a Professional

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals. Many organizations have DEI statements, but many helping professionals are realizing how important these statements are on a personal level. When you make equity a priority, you help children and families that need it most. NAEYC provides professional recommendations for early childhood educators, but these professional standards can apply to many professions. You can build upon your work from your Week 1 Implicit Bias journal and your Week 2 discussion on Culturally Competent Care.

1. Build awareness and understanding of your culture, personal beliefs, values, and biases.
2. Recognize the power and benefits of diversity and inclusivity.
3. Take responsibility for biased actions, even if unintended, and actively work to repair the harm.
4. Acknowledge and seek to understand structural inequities and their impact over time.
5. View your commitment to cultural responsiveness as an ongoing process.
6. Recognize that the professional knowledge-base is changing.

To prepare for this journal,

• Read the article Recommendations for EveryoneLinks to an external site..

Create a one-page equity statement, referring to at least three of the Recommendations for Everyone, being sure to

• Describe 3 ways this course has prepared you to apply these recommendations.
• Explain 3 strategies that will help you grow as a professional to achieve these recommendations.