Welcoming Families From Around the World

A family comes to my childcare center who has immigrated from Finland.  There are several things that I will do to prepare myself to be culturally responsive to this family.

• As I am talking with the family during enrollment, learn all I can.  Politely ask questions specifically about where they are from, showing interest in their culture.  Ask them about things they are concerned about, traditions or cultures they would like to maintain, and things they think are important in their child's educational experience and the way they are treated.  Also to find out why they came to America and what they  hope to gain from their experience for their child.  Also, ask if they would be willing to share family photos from where they are from.
• Then research and learn what I can about typical customs and cultures for the area they came from in Finland.  This would be moving beyond things like their capital and state bird, but really learning what the people do, their education systems, holidays they typically celebrate, etc.
• Next find books, music, posters and perhaps toys or clothing that represents where they are from.  Finland has some beautiful landscapes and obtaining posters and pictures from their area may help them feel welcome.  Integrating music, toys or other cultural materials may help make the transition easier and help them feel respected.
• I can also ask other people I know from this area to tell me a little more about what it is like in Finland.  I have found that talking with people you learn more about culture and traditions and what things are really like than reading about them online.  This would help me get different perspectives and may even spark further conversations with the family at another time.
• Last I would look for community resources for the family.  I would want to be prepared to connect them with groups or organizations in the community where they may be able to relate to others who are in their same situation or who may be able to make their transition easier.  These community resources may also be able to provide support and help for our center, especially if there are translation services that may be needed.

I hope that these preparations will help both myself and the family by helping us to have a better understanding of one another needs and desires, lessen unintentional microagression or discrimination, and help feel supported in our efforts to provide a quality educational experience for the child.