Welcoming Families from Around the World

I have been notified that a new family has moved to the area from Nepal and their toddler and preschooler are enrolling at my child care center.  As director I will work closely with the teachers in the children's new classrooms in order to be prepared to be culturally responsive towards the family:

1.  A family culture survey is included as part of our enrollment packet.  The children's teachers and I will review the survey to learn about the families' primary language, the makeup of their household, and other initial information.

2.  We will attend a home visit welcoming the family to our community and center.  At the home visit we will discuss any concerns that the family has, learn about their family resources, and discuss the center and our policies in order to assist the family is transitioning to our setting.

3.  We will invite the family to attend an orientation appointment at the center.  On this day the parents and children are able to meet other families who are dropping children off and/or occupying the Family Resource Room.  They family will be able to observe in the classroom while their children participate in portions of the day.  The family will have the opportunity to interact with other children who attend the center.

4.  We will invite the family to contribute to our One Big Family wall by providing us with a picture (or allowing us to take their picture), lending items from home that represent their culture and traditions, or directing us to online resources that we could print off and display.

5.  The teachers and I will continue to connect with the family on a regular basis to maintain open lines of communication and continue to learn ways we might reflect their family culture in the environment at the center.

These preparations will benefit the new family and all of the families and staff at the center by encouraging open communication.  Every child will have the opportunity to feel important and to feel a sense of belonging, and these steps will help the new children see their family being welcomed and respected as important members of our setting.