1304.21a1(iii) Cultural Diversity - The program provides an environment of acceptance that supports and respects gender, culture, language, ethnicity and family composition. Staff is expected to demonstrate and foster respect of diversity through the following strategies:

1. Demonstrate through actions a genuine respect for each child’s family, culture, and life-style.
2. Provide an environment that reflects the cultures of all children in the program in an integrated, natural way, incorporating all centers of learning.
3. Foster children’s primary language by speaking it using simple phrases and nouns, while supporting the continued development of English.
4. Avoid activities and materials that stereotype or limit children according to their gender, age, disability, race, ethnicity, or family composition.
5. Model respect and help children demonstrate appreciation of others.
6. Classroom Celebrations will reflect the diversity of the community.
7. Any snack or treat associated with a celebration must be nutritiously planned, meaning low in sugar and fat and having high nutritional value.