Five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family:
1. Do some research on the country; look on the internet and find out certain things about the country.
2. Since I would be the owner/director of a child care center, I would inform my staff about the information I found so that they can be more knowledgeable as well.
3. Then I would inform them to let the children know that we're getting a new student who is new to the country; Be nice!
4. Along with that, I would meet with the staff and come up with a "welcoming party" or something like that to make the child and the family feel more comfortable. I would have them to have the country's flag displayed in the classroom and I would attempt to have some food from their country or have them wear some clothing from that country. I would want them to feel at home away from home, especially on the first day of school. First impressions last...
5. Thereafter, I would personally meet with the parents and let them know that we are happy to have their child in our facility and that we are happy that they decided to give us a try. I would also inform the family that we will do our best to make sure that their child, as well as every other child, is treated fairly with love while receiving a quality education.
I believe that these preparations will be good for myself and the family because they would allow me to learn more about the country, which I knew nothing about, and ensure the family that my facility welcomes diversity, instead of rejects it. I say this all the time; we all need each other and we can all learn from each other as well. No man knows everything. So we should be open to learn something new everyday!
Brandee,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your post!!! You sound so welcoming through your words; I am sure that you would make any foreign family feel at ease. I can remember how difficult it was for my mom when she had to drop me off at school for the first time, in what was a foreign country to her at the time, so I think it is especially important to be responsive to the parents/family's needs. Thank you for sharing your post!
Andrea
Hi Brandee,
ReplyDeleteThe steps that you will be taking to welcome the family seems like they will be very beneficial. Your post was very insightful because not only will you educate yourself, but you will also educate staff members and the children at the center. I believe that this family will be very welcomed because of the thoughtful ways that you will engage them in their new environment. Great post!
Brandee,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a welcoming party! What a great way to show the family that you are excited that they are there and welcome them into the program.