[Julie]

Early learning providers can create a serve and return environment by a child with providing attention and encouragement when a child shows interest. It also helps to respond to a child’s enthusiasm with equal enthusiasm and support. Being on a child level with someone who is showing interest can help them feel like they have the support they need to further their emotions or needs in the moment.

[Julie]

There are a few WACs that address diversity but the one I find the most important is <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>WAC 110-300-0325. The reason I find it the most important is because it makes it a requirement that everyone feel included and that no child or parent/family member will feel out of place or unwelcome. How can a child feel safe or like they can express an opinion if they feel ostracized or made to feel different in a situation or an environment where they should feel unique but for something positive instead of negative.

<font color=”rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)” face=”inherit”>Some of the big messages that WACs give are that you as a childcare provider should be open or responsive to different types of families and cultures. Childcare </font>environments should be welcoming to people of all variations.