NAEYC Key Assessment #5 Inclusive Environment

Part 2: Inclusive Environment Creating a Learning Space that Reflects Family Diversity (NAEYC 5c, 6b, 6d) Objective: To design and document an inclusive environment that represents all children and families in the classroom community. Instructions: Conduct or plan a Family Interview or Cooperating Teacher Interview (in-person or virtual). If family interviews are permitted: Invite families (virtually or in person) to share their family traditions, cultures, languages, or special routines that make their family unique. If family interviews are not permitted: Interview your cooperating teacher instead to learn about the classrooms existing family diversity, cultural practices, and strategies used to ensure inclusion. Ask questions such as: How does the classroom reflect the cultures and backgrounds of enrolled families? What strategies are used to build partnerships with families? How are childrens home lives or traditions represented in daily routines or classroom materials? Summarize your findings and describe how this information (real or hypothetical) informs your approach to creating an inclusive environment. 2 . Design or describe a Family & Culture Learning Space within your classroom: Include books, images (or symbolic representations), puzzles, dolls, and music that reflect diverse family structures, cultures, and abilities. If photos from home are not permitted, use alternative visuals such as community photos, clip art, or childrens artwork. 3 . Write a narrative describing how you ensured (or would ensure) that every child and family is represented in your classroom environment. 4 . Include pictures or a digital mock-up (e.g., Canva collage, PowerPoint slide) of your inclusive environment setup. Submission Requirements: 12 page narrative summarizing your interview (family or cooperating teacher) and explaining your inclusive environment design. Photos or a digital plan of your learning space. Save all materials your Key Assessment #5 Portfolio.