Children are born curious, not prejudiced. As they grow, they’ll inevitably misunderstand things—but that’s just because they’re busy figuring out the world and how all the pieces fit together.
They’re explorers of the unknown, and the unknown can feel a little scary when there’s no one around to help make sense of it. But when children are taught, the unknown becomes known—and suddenly, not so scary after all. Knowledge breaks down barriers and plants the seeds for compassion and kindness to grow.
That’s what teaching diversity and inclusion is all about, and why it matters so much for caregivers to weave respect for all people into the everyday moments at their childcare business.
Ready to dive in? Here are some tips and ideas for bringing diversity and inclusion into your daily routine. Kids start noticing differences around age two, so it’s never too early to celebrate both what makes us wonderfully different and the many things we share that bring us together.
The most powerful way children learn is by watching and copying the grown-ups around them. Parents and caregivers have enormous influence—and with it, the chance to model how to respect, accept, and include people who are different from ourselves. Stay open to any and all questions kids ask about the differences they notice. These topics can feel sensitive to adults, but to children they’re simply questions. They’re just looking for honest answers and a little direction from a trusted grown-up.
Make it a weekly or biweekly tradition at your home daycare or center to serve dishes from different cultures. Food is a delicious way to explore diversity with kids and learn about what people eat all around the world! 🌮🍜🥘 The Multicultural Recipes collection in USDA’s Child Nutrition Recipe Box is built for exactly this, with standardized, CACFP-creditable dishes like pineapple chicken, red pozole, and bok choy wrappers. Browse the full Child Nutrition Recipe Box for hundreds more recipes designed for childcare businesses in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
The objects children see and play with every day can introduce diversity in the most natural way. Stock your play areas with dolls and toys that represent a range of races, cultures, and occupations. Display photos of the kids in your care with their families to show off all kinds of family structures, including grandparents and family members with disabilities. The more diversity children see, the less differences stand out—they simply become a wonderful part of everyday life.
There are so many wonderful children’s books that spark conversations about diversity and inclusion. A few favorites to read and chat about together:
Want even more? Explore 65 more titles here! 📖
This is an easy, joyful way to help children understand and appreciate different people and cultures. Add music and art to your celebrations, and let the kids pitch in with the decorating. 🎶✂️ You can even invite families to come share their cultural heritage and traditions.
💡 Tip: Ask families which holidays they observe—and which they’d prefer not to celebrate—so you can plan activities that are inclusive and respectful of everyone’s beliefs.
Hands-on activities, like the holiday celebrations above, bring diversity and inclusion to life. Here are a few more to try:
Talking openly and positively about the many ways people differ helps children better understand the world—and discover new things about themselves. With your guidance, you can empower the kids in your care to meet the world with more confidence and acceptance. Thank you for the important work you do!
And to spend less time on paperwork and more time with the kids in your care, see how KidKare helps childcare providers manage CACFP participation, meals, and recordkeeping in one place.
