Diversity & Inclusion
Durham Community Preschool is a nonprofit preschool that was founded by parents in 2009. Their vision was for a preschool that was a welcoming community for all families. There is a continual need to explore and build awareness around diversity and inclusion. Diversity can be around age, race, family structure, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. Inclusion can be around different family cultures, developmental delays, and challenging behavior. We know that experiencing connection with those that are different from us can break down the barriers of ‘us versus them.’ We know that connection, understanding, and awareness make us stronger. Our preschool was built to be a welcoming place for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Since 2009, we’ve had Board members, staff members, families and children from the LGBTQIA+ community and we are proud of this connection.
We practice Conscious Discipline where the emphasis is on inclusion, connection, conflict resolution, assertive communication, and community.
We want our materials, our language, and community to reflect values of openness and inclusion. We believe the ownership of community inclusivity is not just on the teachers but also a responsibility of the parents of the families that attend our preschool.
Because of our half-day model, we typically attract and serve working families that cannot afford (or don’t need) full-time child-care. We are unable to provide transportation, food or longer hours to serve low income families.
As teachers, we make do with free trainings on diversity and inclusion…but would love some financial support to do more paid trainings. If this is something you are willing to help with – please let us know!
Resources for families:
A Parent’s Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice
