Cultural Sensitivity in Early Intervention Education

This program equips professionals with tools to apply early intervention approaches for children with delays and disabilities. By considering the cultural backgrounds of children and families, graduates support learners in a number of environments, such as nonprofits, schools, childcare settings, community and social settings, government, and hospitals.

Delivering Culturally Relevant Education

The Wakanyeja “Sacred Little Ones” Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initiative highlights the importance of culturally grounded early education. Sponsored by the American Indian College Fund, this program helps educators address children’s developmental, linguistic and cultural needs. Key components include:

• Culturally relevant curricula
• Family and community engagement
• Professional development
• Community-based assessments 

This initiative creates opportunities in education to supply children with delays and disabilities, especially in spaces that include Native American or tribal community members. In fall settings, families, elders and community leaders play a vital role in creating a strong support system for young learners. Graduates of Southeastern’s program are prepared to deliver culturally relevant education in various spaces and engage community members in the process.

Integrating Cultural Heritage With Education

As Brazelton Touchpoints Center notes, the Indigenous Early Learning Collaborative (IELC) strengthens early intervention education by focusing on cultural relevance and community support. Its curriculum features Indigenous stories and traditions to foster identity and confidence in children.

It emphasizes that language preservation is key. For example, bilingual programs teach Native languages alongside English and enrich students’ cognitive skills and cultural connection. Educators can apply this approach in any learning space, but the IELC also trains Native educators in methods based on Indigenous values to better serve their communities.

The IELC uses culturally respectful assessments to monitor progress and advocates for policies that support tribal education. Effective research and resource-sharing help communities build sustainable, effective practices. While Southeastern’s MEICD – Native Populations online program prepares graduates to support early intervention efforts for children of all backgrounds, IELC research speaks to the power multicultural strategies have on student and community success.

Additionally, several organizations came together to launch the Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI) Project. TELI aims to strengthen programs and systems for Indigenous children and families. The initiative focuses on closing resource gaps and improving essential services. TELI’s work encompasses many facets. It centers on the following goals:

• Helping tribes coordinate early learning programs
• Building seamless and high-quality early childhood systems
• Raising the quality of services for families from pregnancy through kindergarten and eliminating obstacles to collaboration

By focusing on these priorities, TELI is building stronger foundations for Indigenous children. It empowers them with the support they need for a brighter future.

Bridging Gaps and Building Futures

Southeastern’s online MEICD – Native Populations program provides roadmaps for success, ensuring children grow up empowered to thrive academically and personally. Its Native Populations emphasis focuses on Native American history, including educational systems, Native American leadership and challenges tribal populations face. Knowledge in these areas help educators working with tribal communities or in settings with Native American students.

By equipping graduates with the skills to blend cultural traditions with modern pedagogy, and by engaging families and communities as partners, this program lays the foundation for a brighter, more culturally responsive future. Education becomes not just a tool for learning but also a bridge connecting generations, honoring the past while preparing for a brighter tomorrow.

The Multi-cultural Leadership in Native American Organizations course and the Consulting, Collaboration, and Co-Teaching course help students focus on learning cultural sensitivity, inclusivity and building strong connections among schools, families and communities. Graduates are equipped to honor a variety of cultural backgrounds while applying early intervention strategies to students with delays and disabilities.