Include by embracing diversity within the community
For Be You, inclusion focuses on the opportunity for everyone to be who they are and to achieve their best mental health. In doing so, we make our learning environments richer and more diverse. You play a key role in developing an inclusive environment for children and young people in your care.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children aren’t to be discriminated against for their individual differences. This approach equally applies to the families you engage with.
These differences might include age, religion, gender and gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, ethnicity and culture, education level, family arrangements and circumstances, personality, interests and abilities, disabilities and physical attributes.
Mental health and wellbeing is most likely to flourish in a supportive and inclusive environment – a safe place where diversity is acknowledged, respected and seen as adding to the vibrancy and strength of the entire community.
What you'll learn through this module
- Define the concepts of inclusion and diversity with specific reference to their impact on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people
- Understand how these concepts link to Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Curriculum
- Understand how to use inclusive practices, including learning materials and experiences, and the importance of a learning environment that reflect the values of diversity and inclusion
- Appropriately consider how diversity can be celebrated within their community
- Recognise the relationship between discrimination and poor mental health