Welcoming Families from Around the World

For this assignment, imagine the following scenario:

You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice-a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency.  You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon.  You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family.  Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.

The name of your family's country of origin: Indonesia

Five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family:

1. I would conduct research on the country of Indonesia, since I know nothing about this country.  This would include the culture, traditions, beliefs, languages, gender roles, values, and religions.
2. If the family does not speak English, I would provide or hire a translator for the family and the child.  The translator would also need to be able to transcribe any materials that need to be sent home, in the family’s home language.
3. Ensure that there are materials in the classroom depicting the child’s culture (posters, photos, books etc.).  If no materials are present purchase them.
4. Teach students about the child’s country of origin based on research previously conducted.
5. Before the child begins attending the program, arrange a meeting or home visit with the child and their family; have translator attend if necessary.

 A brief description describing what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family.

I hope that these preparations will help the child and the family feel welcome and comfortable.  I also help that the preparations will enable the child to feel safe and secure in the program.

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).