Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

 
 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AT LAUREL HILL

Background

Cooperative Nursery Schools have always attracted community-oriented members. Since our inception in 1947, we have invited families and educators from different backgrounds into a community where everyone's voices are respected. Founded on the principles of shared work, supportive environments, play-based learning and affordable tuition, Laurel Hill Nursery School strives to cultivate an inclusive and diverse community and to ensure equity in our practices. 


In 2014, Laurel Hill took steps to dig deeper into its work around diversity and inclusion, by participating in Michigan State University's 60/50 Project which was aimed at creating inclusive dialogue across communities. The 60/50 Project allowed the school to explore a developmentally appropriate approach to discussing diversity and inclusion with preschoolers and their families. This work reminded us that cultivating empathy and a sense of justice is at the heart of everything we do at Laurel Hill. Standing up for yourself, taking a stand for others, and taking responsibility for our actions is what we strive to model and support every day.

Curriculum

At Laurel Hill we provide a rich, stimulating, and open environment where the children learn through free play and supported conflict resolution. The cooperative philosophy also invites parents and educators to work together to engage the children in real life issues as they organically occur in children's play. These issues often include:

  • inclusion/exclusion

  • differences/similarities in appearance and development (including those centered around race, gender, age, ability)

  • differences in family structure

  • justice (figuring out what is fair and unfair)

Through observation, teachers collect threads and themes that arise during the day for the children and then help the children to think more deeply through dictation, books, songs, and conversation. We also work to incorporate art projects, demonstrations and children’s books into the day that help prompt kids’ thinking on differences, fairness and justice. 


Free play, scaffolded by staff and parent observation and support, fosters the curiosity, independence, confidence, empathy, accountability and positive sense of identity that serve as the foundation for kids to grow into conscious and engaged community members.