Investigative Report on Implementing Multicultural Practices in Early Childhood Settings Essay

ABSTRACT
Recognising cultural diversity and implementing appropriate practices and polices, reflecting the diverse nature of Australian society, is crucial in the early childhood context. As in Australia, 43% of Australians were born overseas and about 200 languages are spoken (Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, 2007). In order to investigate this issue, the author sent out surveys to educators in the early childhood professional field in Melbourne’s Inner East and Southern Eastern Areas. This report investigates the incorporation of multicultural education policies and practices in the field of the early childhood educational settings, primarily long day care and kindergarten.



INTRODUCTION
Rational
Australia is a multicultural society. Since World War II, approximately 6 million immigrants from over 150 countries have settled in Australia (Henry, 2009). According to the 2007 Census, 43 per cent of Australians were born overseas (Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, 2007). Australians speak approximately 200 languages and practice a variety of different religions (Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, 2007).
As the early childhood population becomes more diverse, there is a need to incorporate programs and practices that are reflective of multicultural education principles. All educational settings in Australia are called upon to implement multicultural education polices that have been legislated by state and national governments.

Policy/Strategy in Victoria
On Friday, 20 March 2009, the Minister for Education, the Hon Bronwyn Pike, launched the strategy - Education for Global and Multicultural Citizenship for all Victorian Government Schools during 2009 to 2013. The purpose of this new Education for Global and Multicultural Citizenship is equip all students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to prosper and thrive in a world characterised by global mobility and cultural, political and...