EDUC6164 - Week 7 – Welcoming Families From Around the World

I will be welcoming a three year old girl from Thailand into my child care.  She will be moving to Pennsylvania and will be enrolled in child care beginning in two weeks.  In preparation for her arrival I will complete the normal new enrollment procedures.  I will compile enrollment forms and label a portfolio, a cubby and a set of nap time bedding.  In addition I will research Thailand and learn about the culture of the land and the people.

 As a result of my research I will prepare to be culturally responsive by:

1.      Preparing to listen closely as the parents talk in English, which is their second language.  Allowing the child to practice speaking in Thai, and asking the family to teach us some Thai words which can be incorporated into our curriculum.

2.      Understanding that Thai children wear uniforms to school, and allow the girl to wear a uniform to child care if the parents feel more comfortable with the uniform. 

3.      Ask the mother to share recipes for her daughter’s favorite foods.  Her daughter may appreciate familiar foods, and the other children could taste Thai foods.

4.      Ensure that the child care environment includes pictures of children in typical Thai dress, Thai homes and families, and Thai foods.  Ask if the child could bring a picture of her family to add to our Family Picture Collage.

5.      Discussing expectations with the children currently enrolled, and eliminating any child initiated diversity or equality issues before they become problematic.

6.      Ask the parents about religious preferences, religious holiday, and how we can accommodate their daughter’s religious needs.

7.      Use the child’s and parent’s names, pronounce them to the best of our ability, encourage the children to use the Thai child’s proper name.

8.      Learn the traditional Thai greeting and traditional bow at the time of greeting.

9.      Understand that the child is not used to cold weather, and ensure that she is dressed warmly for outside activities.  Offer assistance to parents on the topic of cold weather safety, attire and snow gear.

I am hoping that careful planning will help the child fit into the child care.  It is important to listen to the family, and encourage the family to share their culture with us.  In this way, the child can keep her culture, while blending into our culture.  We can learn from the family, enjoying Thai foods, learning Thai words, and learning about the country of Thailand.  We can help the child maintain her identity by accepting her for who she is, using her name, and showing an interest in her cultural background.  We can also educate the currently enrolled children before the Thai child arrives, teaching equity and diversity, and eliminating any existing stereotypes.

Reference

Baker, M. (2220). Lessons From Thailand’s Schools.  Retrieved from  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4194913.stm