8.4 EDI on Placement
Lilly Briars and Rashidat Oni-Orisan
Placement experiences are shaped by relationships, power, and everyday decisions made by students, mentors, and leaders. Questions about rights, belonging, and voice matter not only for children, but also for international students navigating unfamiliar systems and expectations. Mentorship plays a key role in supporting students to feel respected, heard, and able to learn, rather than positioned as temporary guests within a professional setting.
Video: “Interview with: Kathy Harris RECE, ACEO.C – International Student Experience” by Fanshawe OER Design Studio [1:45] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Video: “Interview with: Kathy Harris RECE, ACEO.C – Rights of People” by Fanshawe OER Design Studio [1:42] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Interview with Sun Kim RECE, BA, MBA, Operational Lead
In your experience, what dispositions help students thrive in placements?
In my experience, one of the key dispositions that helps students thrive in placements is humility. This disposition brings the mindset of appreciation for each child’s feelings, perspectives, and experiences, especially those of their families. Humility not only helps students understand the needs of the children but also opens doors for personal and professional growth. When students approach their work with humility, they recognize that we as an adult don’t have the answers, and they understand that every child brings unique insights and backgrounds to the learning experience. Additionally, humility encourages students to be responsive to their own practices. By acknowledging areas where they can grow and staying open to feedback, students can continuously refine their approaches.
What does it mean to rethink ‘quality’ child care through a cultural and relational lens?
Rethinking ‘quality’ child care through a cultural and relational lens means questioning the traditional one-size-for-all checklists care. Rethinking and recognizing the importance of pedagogical approaches that reflect each child’s uniqueness, and appreciating the diverse experiences that children and families bring into our space.
From a cultural perspective, quality child care involves actively bringing rich diversity of our children’s backgrounds into our programs, and making families feel comfortable to share. This could involve honouring cultural events in the classroom, using materials that reflect various cultures, or sharing stories that highlight our differences.
Looking at child care through a relational lens, strong connections are key. Quality care values the journey along the way of children’s growing milestones, supported by those strong connections. These connections are fundamentally built on trust, even transparent communication between educators, children, and families. When educators prioritize the connection, getting to know their families and understanding their values and beliefs, they gain valuable insights that help celebrate each child’s identity.
Such practices not only help children see themselves represented in their learning environment but also encourage them to appreciate the diversity around them. I believe that when children experience inclusivity, they learn the importance of including others as well.
From a cultural perspective, quality child care involves actively bringing rich diversity of our children’s backgrounds into our programs, and making families feel comfortable to share. This could involve honouring cultural events in the classroom, using materials that reflect various cultures, or sharing stories that highlight our differences.
Looking at child care through a relational lens, strong connections are key. Quality care values the journey along the way of children’s growing milestones, supported by those strong connections. These connections are fundamentally built on trust, even transparent communication between educators, children, and families. When educators prioritize the connection, getting to know their families and understanding their values and beliefs, they gain valuable insights that help celebrate each child’s identity.
Such practices not only help children see themselves represented in their learning environment but also encourage them to appreciate the diversity around them. I believe that when children experience inclusivity, they learn the importance of including others as well.
How can students and mentors approach cultural child care practices in ways that are respectful, relational, and open to learning?
Students and mentors can approach cultural child care practices with respect and an open mindset in several important ways. First, active listening. The foundation of respectful cultural practices begins with truly understanding the stories and experiences of the families they work with. Engaging in conversations with families with genuine curiosity about their perspectives. Also, reflective practice. Students and mentors need to regularly discuss and reflect on their own biases and assumptions. I believe in the power of knowledge; we can only recognize and see what we know. This Self-awareness helps us to approach situations with humility and openness. Engaging in discussions with co-workers or mentors about their experiences can deepen our understanding of cultural contexts. Another important aspect could be a mindset of lifelong learning. Knowing that cultural competence is an ongoing journey, students and mentors need to actively seek for professional development opportunities, such as workshops or conferences focused on cultural responsiveness and inclusion, to continuously expand their knowledge and skills.
Video: “Interview with Val Bytyqi RECE, Operational Lead” by Fanshawe OER Design Studio [1:50] is licensed under the Standard YouTube License.Transcript and closed captions available on YouTube.
Tips for Mentors
- Build relationships early to strengthen belonging and trust, and mutual respect within placement settings
- Recognize that students are not “guests”, but members of the team bringing valuable lived experiences, perspectives, and knowledge into practice
- Celebrate cultural diversity in meaningful and everyday ways, including routines, language, materials, and conversations with children and families
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge through ongoing learning, respectful language, and thoughtfully chosen resources, rather than one-time or symbolic activities
- Offer clear and supportive guidance for international students, recognizing the added challenges of navigating new cultural, educational, and workplace systems
- Collaborate with students as colleagues, sharing center practice while inviting dialogue, questions, and problem-solving together
- Reflect on personal biases, assumptions, and positions of power to support equitable, inclusive, and ethical practice
- Use strengths-based approaches that honour what children and students can do, build confidence, and encourage active participation in learning
The Centre for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) at Fanshawe College
The Centre for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) is dedicated to ensuring a sense of belonging for all students, staff, and faculty at Fanshawe. Their primary goal is to address and actively dismantle systemic barriers that affect equity-deserving groups.
Key Services and Supports:
Direct & Confidential Support:
- Individual Advising: Provides confidential one-on-one support for those navigating experiences of discrimination, harassment, or inequity.
- Conflict Resolution: students, staff, and faculty through conflict situations involving equity-related concerns.
- Placement Guidance: Advises students and organizations to ensure inclusive and equitable practicum experiences
Anti-Oppressive Training & Education
- Training & Resources: Develops and adapts anti-oppression education for the entire college community.
- Field Placement Guide: Offers a quick reference guide for students and placement organizations that outline students’ rights, available supports and the commitments that placement organizations are expected to uphold.
- Inclusive Tools: Create resources, such as the Pronoun Guide, to promote respectful and inclusive language.
Events and Initiatives
- Hosts campus-wide events for commemorative and awareness initiatives, such as the CEDI Fall Vigil, Black History Month, Pride Flag Raising, and more.
Strategic Change
- Framework Leadership: Drives the implementation of the college-wide EDI strategy: A College Where We Belong
- Advances the EDI Action Plan with accessible and equitable practices, fostering an inclusive College where everyone belongs.
Link: CEDI Student Support Website
Email: edi@fanshawec.ca
