Welcoming Families From Around the World

I chose an early childhood setting/child care center.

The family’s country origin is the Philippines.

As I prepared myself to be culturally responsive to this family, the five ways I would welcome them:

1. Meet and greet/play dinner night for the new child/family and the other children/family.
2. Meet and greet/play lunch day for the new child/family and the other children/family.
3. Have a welcome sign in their native (Philippines’ language).
4. Have children sing a hello/welcome song to the new child.
5. Have pictures, books about the Philippines in the classroom setting.

Welcoming families from around the world to an early childhood program is an important transition.  The family is experiencing a new culture through the early childhood program.  They need to know and learn the community.  In other countries preparation for success at school is less important than  preparation for living in their community.  In such communities there are things that children need to learn and these are, of course, related to the cultural beliefs and principles and values, which are linked to the economic survival of the group (Smidt, 2006).

As an educator/professional making the transitional memorable would be as beneficial to the family, and the early childhood program. The child would be happy to return to the program. The new family can learn who are their neighbors, and where are things in the community. Also, children construct their identities from their experiences through their interactions.  This includes seeing themselves as part of a group sharing a culture.  The ways in which they and other members of their group are represented will be crucial in doing this (Smidt).

Reference:

1.                                Smidt, S. (2006). The Developing Child in the 21^st Century; A global perspective on child development. Chapter 6, "The Child in Culture" (pp. 77--91)