Welcoming Families From Around the World

Family’s country of origin:  Yugoslavia

Ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the family 

1.      First and forth most, I would open up communication with the family.  If the family did not speak English, I would gain assistance accordingly.  When communicating, I would hope to make a connection with the family prior to their arrival.  I would ask the family about their child.  I would want to learn about their child’s interest, their family dynamics, traditions, values.  By showing interest, respect and an open heart prior to meeting them, I would hope they would feel comfortable upon our first meeting.  I would want to set a tone that I have an open-door policy, as well as I am supportive and I am willing to help in any way I can to insure a healthy transition. 

2.       I would also prepare the environment to the best of my ability to meet the child’s needs prior to their arrival.  I would communicate with the family if the child had any special needs or accommodations (i.e. diet, language).  I would also place certain items within the classroom that represented their country and culture in order for the child to have some familiarity and something to connect with.  I would encourage the family to share items that reflect their culture to place in the classroom as a learning tool as well.

3.       I would research their country and culture.  I think knowledge is one of the best tools to combat ignorance.  By having prior knowledge of the current events and history of their country or knowledge of different aspects of their traditions and customs, shows the family that I care and respect their culture.  Then I would have a connection with them when communicating.  

4.       Before the child started with our program, I would meet with the family in person.  During this meeting, I would again try to connect with the family and make sure the environment is sufficient for the child.  I would also take this opportunity for the family and child to tour the facility and to get familiar with classroom and staff.  The classroom would showcase different cultures as well as have a welcoming vibe.  If you create a learning environment within the classroom where the children are taught to be respectful and are encouraged to learn from each other’s differences, than this vibe will exude when present within the classroom.  I believe this helps with the child’s and family’s nerves and preparation on the first day.

5.       I would reflect upon my cultural identities and encourage my staff to do the same.  I believe you continuously need to work on your cultural competency.  Reflection is a huge step within the process.  By reflecting, you bring back the awareness to cultures and diversity.  You reflect on the ways you treat others.  People get in routines and do not have awareness of their daily actions; at times they may use microaggressions towards someone.  By bringing consciousness back to your actions you can make adjustments accordingly.  This would help to ensure myself, as well as the staff, is prepared to be culturally competent when the family and child arrived.

As stated above, I believe the preparations discussed will benefit both the family and myself.  I would hope these preparations make both of us feel comfortable and respected in order to communicate with each other.  Communication is a huge part of a child’s development.  If communication is present, then a strong relationship can develop and hopefully turn into a partnership between the family and myself.  This will allow both of us to talk freely and discuss what is appropriate for the child to ensure successful development and education.