WELCOMING FAMILIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

In my continuing studies about diversity, I have been introduced to interesting aspects of other countries.  I am somewhat embarrassed to say that, up to this point in my life; I have been terribly inept geographically speaking.  Statistics tells us that about 195 different countries exist in the world today.  Although it was apparent to me that other countries existed, I had never taken the time to look outside of my own country to see what was on the other side of the United States.  Even the news portrayed on television and radio never caught my attention enough to influence my interests towards finding out more about other countries.  However, throughout the last several weeks of research on multi-cultural diversity my curiosity about many countries has been greatly stirred. One country in particular has intrigued me most—Mexico.  November 7, 1945 is the date of admission on which Mexico joined as a member of the United Nations General Assembly.  Mexico is the fifth largest country in America and among the top twenty largest independent nations in the world, and just so happens to be at the back door of the United States of America where I reside.  Again, it is embarrassing to me that I have not studied more about this country until now.  It’s almost like having a next of kin that lives right next door with whom I never desired to communicate.   

Imagine with me:  

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 Mexico [or a country you know nothing about] will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family.  What would you do?

Here’s my answer:

First of all, I am blessed to be enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated I need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.  I would begin my preparation by covering the following five areas:

1.     I would research the dominant language of Mexico.  Out of over 63 indigenous languages recognized by the government of Mexico, Spanish is the official language spoken by the vast majority of Mexicans.  Understanding the language will help to minimize communication barriers. 

2.     I would research the family culture.  Knowledge of surface culture alone can prove to be damaging to the potential relationship.  Understanding as much deep culture as possible will aid in the purposeful designing of an environment that is inclusive for the new family.

3.     I would design an inclusive philosophy statement and admittance forms.  Sentences that specifically name and support multiracial and mixed heritage families are crucial to the equitable practice of inclusion for all families.

4.     I would construct a welcome package that is culturally diverse. Positive images, materials, and children’s literature that depict multiracial and multiethnic families would be included in the welcome package.  Creating an inviting atmosphere through not only the environment, but also the materials that are being utilized and distributed makes inclusion more visible to transitioning families.

5.     I would use appropriate terminology in referencing families.  Families have their own preferences regarding how they prefer to be referenced racially.  Taking the time to speak with each family and asking their preference will ensure the use of appropriate terms for their child’s ethnic identity.

It is my hope that these preparations will benefit both me and the family by fostering respectful relationships, and positive purposeful partnering between the home and school environments.  My endeavor as an early childhood professional is to ensure a smooth and successful transition from their place of origin to their new place of residency.

Reference

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).