perspectives & Theorises in oshc

Derman-Sparks and Olsen Edwards - Anti-bias

Derman-Sparks and Olsen Edwards’ Anti-Bias Education gives OSHC educators a practical framework for building a culture where every child belongs—and where bias, exclusion, and unfairness are noticed and responded to (not ignored or minimised). In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn core anti-bias principles in plain language, hear a creative “voice of the theorists” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to embed anti-bias practice, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring a team to respond confidently to bias and exclusion, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday interactions, environments, and decisions.
Format

Online
Module 

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 mins

Price

$49

About the module

OSHC is a highly social space. Children are forming identities, negotiating belonging, testing power, and building peer culture. Bias can show up in small everyday moments: who gets included, whose voice is heard, whose behaviour is labelled, what jokes are allowed, which families feel seen, and what is treated as “normal.”

Anti-bias education is not about blaming children or educators. It’s about strengthening practice so we can:
  • create environments that reflect diverse identities and family structures
  • respond to teasing, stereotypes, and exclusion with confidence
  • support fairness, empathy, and respectful relationships
  • reduce harm by noticing bias early—before it becomes the culture
This module helps educators move from “we treat everyone the same” to “we build fairness and belonging on purpose.”

Understand anti-bias practice

A clear introduction to anti-bias education—how bias shows up in everyday OSHC life and what educators can do next.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the framework to life through a “voice of the theorists” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring teams to respond to bias and exclusion.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards + What is Anti-Bias Education?
    Plain-language overview with OSHC examples: identity, belonging, peer culture, stereotypes, fairness, and everyday inclusion.
  • “Let’s hear from Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards”
    A short creative narrative where the theorists “speak” to how anti-bias education looks in real settings (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing anti-bias practice
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - respond to stereotypes and biased comments in the moment
    - address exclusion and “you can’t play” dynamics
    - set group expectations that protect dignity and belonging
    - audit spaces/materials for representation and hidden messages
    - communicate with families respectfully and confidently
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors anti-bias practice across a team
    - how to build staff confidence for “hard conversations”
    - what to do when educators avoid addressing bias (“they didn’t mean it”)
    - how to document incidents and follow up in a way that supports learning and repair
  • OSHC case study: bias and belonging in action
    A realistic scenario where bias shows up through peer culture (e.g., exclusion, stereotypes, family/culture comments, gendered teasing, disability-related language, “normal” assumptions). Learners practise choosing responses that are calm, clear, and protective—without shaming children.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to examine assumptions (e.g., “they’re too young,” “it’s just joking,” “we treat everyone the same”) and redesign more intentional, equity-focused practice.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

 Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Notice bias, stereotypes, and exclusion early—before they escalate
  • Respond in the moment with language that is calm, clear, and protective
  • Support children to repair harm and rebuild belonging
  • Create spaces and programs that reflect diverse identities and families
  • Strengthen fairness without falling into “same for everyone” thinking
  • Build team consistency through shared expectations and follow-up processes

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators who want practical strategies to strengthen inclusion, fairness, and belonging
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring teams to respond confidently to bias, exclusion, and “hard moments” in peer culture
Ready to build a culture where belonging is protected on purpose?

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.