Diversity and Inclusion
At James Nisbet Nursery School Inc. we are very fortunate to have children and families from a wide variety of cultures, abilities, and family structures. Our curriculum ensures that each child feels accepted and respected for their individuality by including activities, discussions, and play materials that celebrate and reflect the cultural diversity of the children and families in our program. Throughout our centre there are photographs of the children that attend our nursery school as well as photo albums of previous students and a family album that contains pictures of the children with their caregivers. Posters, a children’s alphabet, and a children of many cultures carpet have representations of children from different countries around the world. We also have dolls in our housekeeping area and doll house that are representational of our diverse population. In our library we provide books that reflect diversity through pictures and stories about celebrations, families, and cultures. We also read stories to the children that provoke conversations about acceptance and how to treat others with respect. We do role playing and show the children how to include others in conversations and play. The teachers also model turn taking during conversations and encourage all the children to express their thoughts and feelings. At snack time children bring a variety of different foods that reflect their cultural backgrounds. The teachers take time to talk to parents about their customs, language, and families throughout the year.
Children with a wide range of abilities attend our program including those with physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language difficulties. For many of our students English is an additional language and their experiences at nursery school with peers and teachers help them to learn English. Activities are also created and adapted to accommodate children with additional support needs so they experience active and meaningful participation in our daily program and with each other. Children accessing the Inclusion Support Program are provided additional support as needed and an Individual Program Plan is developed and reviewed annually. Teachers receive specialized training when necessary to provide children with the care that they need.