Cultural Awareness

TSD Conference

March 22, 2015Carolyn J. Garcia

ObjectivesParticipants will review the

descriptions of Cultural Awareness

Participants will discuss what culture means to them

Participate in learning extension activity

Cultural Awareness/Competence◦ Refers to an ability to interact

effectively with people of different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds, particularly in the context of human resources, non-profit organizations, and government agencies who work with person from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds.

(Wikipedia)

Every Individual is Rooted in Culture

Influence on beliefs and behaviors

Passed from generation to generation

Changes according to the contemporary environment

Home language is key component

Successful programs respect and incorporate the cultures of children and families

Highlights from the Original Multicultural Principles (1991)

Cultural Knowledge is acquired:Through repeated daily

interaction with the people around them

As they develop language, learn concepts, and experience the ways they are cared for

From their communities and Head Start Experiences

Begins at birth and continues throughout the life span

Learning Extension

“What is Culture?”Poster

Definitions of Culture:Culture is…the organized and common

practices of particular communities

shared understanding, as well as the public customs and artifacts that embody these understanding.

the complex processes of human social interaction and symbolic communication

all that is done by people

Resource:Multicultural Principles for Head

Start Programs Serving Children Ages Birth to Five