Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) form the foundation for creating a childcare program where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Early childhood is when kids start to notice differences, like how their friend might celebrate a different holiday or speak another language at home. If we don’t guide these moments with care and intention, we miss a huge opportunity to teach acceptance, empathy, and respect for others.

This blog is a roadmap for incorporating diversity into five key areas of your childcare program: culture, language, ability, socioeconomic background, and family structure. These actionable steps are good for your kids, your child care program, your community, and the future we’re building together.

What are the 5 types of diversity in a childcare program?

Diversity in a childcare program is about intentionally creating an environment where every child and family feels like they belong. Here are the key dimensions of diversity you should focus on:

1. Cultural diversity: Every family has a story, and it’s essential to make room for those stories in your program. This means celebrating different traditions, values, holidays, and backgrounds. Create a classroom environment that helps kids see the world through each other’s eyes. 

2. Linguistic diversity: Many of your students might seamlessly switch between two languages—which is a valuable skill. Linguistic diversity includes families who speak different languages or dialects: maybe you’ve got a student who speaks Spanish at home or a family that communicates in ASL. 

3. Ability diversity: Every child has their own unique strengths. Ability diversity means creating a space that welcomes children with different physical, developmental, and cognitive abilities. 

4. Socioeconomic diversity: Childcare can be expensive, and that can exclude families who need it most. When children from various financial situations share the same classroom, they gain a broader perspective on the world. 

5. Family structure diversity: Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some kids live with two parents, some with one. Others have blended families, same-sex parents, or guardians who are grandparents. You should recognize and respect these differences, creating a culture where no child feels “different.” 

Focusing on these five types of diversity creates a better childcare program and a stronger, more connected community. Keep reading for tips on how to implement inclusive ideas.

Diversity in a childcare program is about intentionally creating an environment where every child and family feels like they belong.

How to incorporate diversity into your childcare program

Incorporating diversity into your childcare program is a continuous, intentional practice that shapes your classroom and the families in your community. But where to start? Here are some actionable strategies to create an environment where every child feels seen and valued.

Foster cultural awareness

A classroom decorated with artwork, books, and toys that celebrate different cultures is a space where everyone belongs. Simple changes like these help children see themselves and their peers reflected in their surroundings. Plan activities that center around different cultures—think international music days, cultural show-and-tells, or celebrating holidays that matter to the families in your program. 

Encourage multilingual communication

Language is one of the most personal ways we connect with the world. By including bilingual signage, books, and songs in your program, you’ll teach children new words and show parents that their language matters. If possible, hire staff fluent in multiple languages or provide interpreter services for non-English-speaking families. Try adding bilingual books, learning songs in multiple languages, or using visual aids to bridge communication gaps and make those families feel welcome and represented. 

Support differently-abled children

Inclusion means adapting your program so every child can grow. Set up your classroom to accommodate diverse physical, developmental, and cognitive needs. Some children may excel with hands-on activities while others prefers visual guides—both approaches should have a place in your lesson plans. And don’t forget to train your team to use inclusive teaching strategies, like offering visual schedules or sensory-friendly materials. When kids learn and play together, they develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for different abilities.

Promote socioeconomic equity

Childcare is a financial stretch for many families. Simplify enrollment in government subsidy programs with tools like childcare management software, which can lower barriers for families. Focus on welcoming families from all economic backgrounds and making your program accessible through scholarships, sliding-scale tuition, or partnerships with local organizations. 

Celebrate diverse family structures

Not every family is made the same, and that’s something to celebrate. Use inclusive language—like saying “grown-ups” instead of “mom and dad”—and ensure your materials and activities reflect a range of family types. Host family events that accommodate different schedules and needs, like a Saturday morning breakfast or a virtual story time for busy parents. These efforts show children and families that no matter their structure, they belong.

Broaden your strategies with thoughtful implementation

Diversity goes deeper than what’s in your classroom—it’s how you run your program. Develop an anti-bias curriculum using diverse storybooks and inclusive teaching approaches, such as Montessori. Recruit staff from a variety of backgrounds and provide ongoing DEI training to build a truly inclusive team. Get families authentically involved by hosting culturally themed events and translating newsletters into the languages they speak. 

Why promoting diversity matters in early childhood education

Promoting diversity in early childhood education is a foundational element that shapes children's development and prepares them for the world they live in. Here’s why it’s so important in their formative years:

Building empathy and acceptance

Children are naturally observant and begin noticing differences from a very young age. By six months, they can recognize variations in skin color, and by age five, they may start forming biases based on their surroundings. Introducing children to diverse cultures, abilities, and family structures early on helps them appreciate and respect differences. A study highlighted by the National Center for Children in Poverty found that early interventions promoting tolerance can lead to more positive social behaviors and attitudes.

Enhancing critical thinking

Exposure to diverse perspectives encourages children to think critically and question stereotypes. When children engage with varied cultural narratives and problem-solving approaches, they learn that multiple solutions can exist for a single problem, fostering cognitive flexibility. Research suggests that such exposure in early education settings can lead to improved academic outcomes and better problem-solving skills.

Preparing for a diverse world

Our society is increasingly diverse, but many early education programs remain economically and racially segregated. A report by Reid and Kagan points out that due to funding structures, early childhood programs can unintentionally deprive children of the benefits of a diverse learning environment. Intentionally promoting diversity in your preschool helps prepare children to contribute positively to a multicultural society. Deliberately diverse classrooms have been linked to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes.

The role of educators and programs

Educators play a defining role in modeling inclusivity! Teaching an anti-bias curriculum and practicing regular self-reflection about one's own biases are important components. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) noted that educators keeping their own biases in check is crucial in effectively promoting diversity and inclusion in early childhood settings.

FAQs about diversity in childcare programs

What are 5 types of diversity you might find in a childcare program?

Diversity in childcare can show up in many ways, but five key types to focus on are:

1. Cultural Diversity – Celebrating different traditions, values, and customs.

2. Linguistic Diversity – Supporting children and families who speak various languages or dialects.

3. Ability Diversity – Including kids with diverse physical, developmental, or cognitive abilities.

4. Socioeconomic Diversity – Welcoming families from all income levels and ensuring equity in access.

5. Family Structure Diversity – Recognizing and respecting all family types, like single-parent households or LGBTQ+ families.

Each of these areas brings something unique to your program, making it richer and more inclusive.

What are examples of diversity in childcare?

Diversity can look like a lot of things in childcare programs. For example:

• A classroom library filled with books that feature characters of different races, abilities, and family types.

• Celebrating holidays like Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Hanukkah alongside more familiar ones like Thanksgiving.

• Having a mix of toys that represent various skin tones, abilities, and cultural traditions.

• Offering activities where children can share their family traditions, like a show-and-tell about a favorite cultural dish or story.

It’s all about creating an environment where every child feels their background is valued and celebrated.

Why is diversity important in childcare?

Because it helps shape kind, thoughtful, and open-minded little humans. When children are exposed to diversity early on, they learn empathy, acceptance, and critical thinking. They also develop confidence in their own identity, seeing it reflected and respected in their environment.

How can I assess the inclusivity of my program?

Start by asking yourself some tough questions:

• Does my classroom reflect the diversity of the families we serve?

• Do my materials (books, toys, decorations) showcase different cultures, abilities, and family types?

• Are we accommodating children with different needs, whether they’re physical, developmental, or linguistic?

• Do all families feel welcome and included in events and communications?

You could also conduct surveys with parents focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Or, get some fresh eyes (like a consultant or fellow educator) to help you spot gaps.

What are some simple steps to start incorporating diversity today?

If you’re just starting out, it’s easier than you might think to take the first steps:

1. Add diverse books and toys: Look for materials that showcase different races, abilities, and family structures.

2. Celebrate new holidays: Include a cultural or heritage celebration that reflects your families or introduces something new to the kids.

3. Use inclusive language: Swap out “mom and dad” for terms like “grown-ups” or “families.”

4. Get feedback: Ask families for input on how you can better represent and include them in your program.

5. Train your team: Invest in professional development focused on diversity and inclusion practices.

You have the incredible and coveted opportunity to make an important impact on young minds in your childcare program. Diversity is a powerful way to create a space where your children, families, and communities can grow. By focusing on the five key types of diversity—culture, language, ability, socioeconomic background, and family structure—you’re nurturing an environment that educates and inspires young people.

Every step you take, no matter how small, helps lay the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can create childcare programs where every child feels seen, valued, and ready to make the world a kinder, more connected place.