An Anti-bias Guide to Including Holidays in Early Childhood Education and Intervention

Making the choice to include holidays in the early childhood curriculum and therapy materials requires thoughtful decision-making. As an interventionist or early childhood educator, ask yourself: are you checking your bias at the door? Here are seven practices to consider for adopting an anti-bias mindset when including holidays and religious observances in early childhood education and intervention.

1. understand that particular holidays and religious observances are not universal

2. recognize that commercialized versions of holidays are still grounded in cultural and religious assumptions

3. prioritize children learning about their classmates and staff members' family holidays rather than celebrating them

4. respect all families' holiday rituals and their unique ways of celebrating or not celebrating

5. be mindful of the language you use in holiday activities and anticipate clarifying conversations

6. consider creating unique class or school celebrations so that all children can participate

7. help children understand when a staff member or classmate cannot participate

Adapted from "Anti-Bias Education and Holidays: Making Thoughtful Decisions"