Uphold Social Justice

CHILDKIND VALUE AND BEHAVIOUR 1

“I will show grace by acknowledging and valuing the strengths and areas for improvement in myself and others.”

Overview

Upholding social justice means actively promoting fairness, inclusion, and equality for all children and families, regardless of their background, race, or ability. It entails being anti-racist and anti-ableist and advocating for the rights of children and families who may face systemic barriers. Early childhood practitioners who uphold social justice recognise the unique identities of children and families and work to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. By addressing biases and fostering equitable access to opportunities, practitioners play a crucial role in ensuring that children with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds receive the support they need to thrive.

Supporting Evidence

Research underscores the importance of promoting social justice in early childhood settings. According to Connell et al. (2022), early childhood educators are key in fostering inclusive environments that challenge systemic inequalities, particularly for children with disabilities and diverse backgrounds. Social justice in early childhood education is not just about equality of opportunity but also about equity—tailoring supports to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Additionally, studies by MacNaughton (2018) highlight that early childhood programs that incorporate social justice principles tend to produce better developmental outcomes for children, as they feel more valued and included.

Anti-ableist practices in early childhood settings, as discussed by Lalvani and Broderick (2015), help in dismantling barriers that prevent children with disabilities from fully participating, which is crucial for their long-term well-being and integration into society. This is aligned with the Reimagine Australia Code of Ethics, particularly Principle 1.1, which stresses the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of children and their families through anti-racist and inclusive practices.

What this way of working might look like in practice:

Ensuring that all children, regardless of ability or background, are given equal opportunities to participate in activities by adapting them as needed.
Using diverse and culturally inclusive materials in the classroom to reflect the identities of all children.
Regularly reflecting on your own biases and seek training on anti-racism and anti-ableism to ensure your practices are inclusive and just.

Alignment with Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE PRINCIPLES, CHILDKIND WAYS OF WORKING AND KEY COMPETENCIES

Best Practices Supported

This value or behaviour supports the Best Practices below:

1. Embrace My Uniqueness (Understand Me): Recognising the individuality of each child ensures that all children experience equal opportunities and respect.
4. Affirm My Diversity (Understand Me): Challenging biases and misconceptions about diversity ensures fairness and inclusion for all children.
9. Be an Ally for My Equity and Justice (Enable Me): Practitioners play an active role in advocating for the rights and equity of children, ensuring they are treated with fairness and justice.
11. Support Me to Be Included (Enable Me): Ensuring that children can fully participate in their life and community reflects social justice principles.

Ways of Working Supported

This value or behaviour supports the Ways of Working below:

Promote Inclusion: Ensuring all children and families feel valued, supported, and integrated into their communities aligns with social justice.
Collaborate with Others: Working collaboratively to advocate for children’s rights and equitable opportunities.
Build My Capacity: Empowering children and families with the knowledge and tools to exercise their rights aligns with upholding social justice.
Support My Transition: Ensuring fair and equitable transitions, especially for children with disabilities, is a matter of social justice.

Key Competencies Supported

The value or behaviour suports the Key Competencies below:

3.1 Advocacy: Practitioners advocate for children’s rights and equity to ensure their needs are met, empowering families where possible.
3.2 Honour CALD, First Nations & LGBTQIA+ Perspectives: Respecting and supporting children from diverse cultural, linguistic, and identity backgrounds aligns with social justice principles.
9.1 Strengthening Capabilities: Empowering children and families by developing their skills, knowledge, and capacity aligns with promoting social justice and equal opportunities.
5.3 Early Childhood Development: Practitioners use evidence-based knowledge to support children’s development, ensuring equitable developmental outcomes.
7.2 Network and Community Development: Building inclusive networks and developing community connections supports a just and fair environment for children and families.

Practitioner Reflection Questions

Reflection questions are a valuable tool for practitioners, promoting self-awareness, critical thinking, continuous improvement, and stronger relationships in their work with children and families:

How do I ensure my practice is inclusive and free from biases that might exclude certain children?
What steps am I taking to be an ally for equity and justice in my early childhood setting?
How do I actively promote anti-ableist practices in my work with children and families?

Additional Resources

Social Justice in Early Childhood Education by Kerry H. Robinson and Criss Jones-Diaz (Book)

A comprehensive book that explores how early childhood education can promote social justice through inclusivity and anti-bias practices.

Why social justice is more important than ever (Blog Article)

Early Childhood Australia Blog – “The Spoke”.

Fostering Social Justice in Early Childhood Education and Outside School Hours Care

Information from Child Australia.

Working with parents: cultural diversity

Information and videos from Raising Children Network:

Social justice in early childhood is not just about equal treatment, but about equity—ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive.

Connell et al. (2022)

ChildKind Documentation

Access more information on the ChildKind Best Practice Framework with its 10 Ways of Working, 30 Key Competencies and 8 supporting Values and Behaviours here: