Professional Hopes and Goals

My career of working with children and families within the social services field has, so far, been an interesting and rewarding experience. I get the opportunity to meet and interact with families of various cultures. Working with children and families is a career I have grown to love and remain passionate about. One hope that I have as I continue to work with children and families is to continue to offer an environment that educates, nurtures, respects, and is tolerant of their diverse cultural experiences. I hope to offer an environment that celebrates individuality and diversity, and fosters the opportunity to increase equity among those I serve. I hope to also increase my cultural capital and habitus as I seek to gain insight and learn from each family’s individual cultural experiences. One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is to continue the efforts and research to encourage a healthy environment that is accessible and culturally responsive where children and families can grow and learn from each other. In addition, offer an environment where issues of prejudice and discrimination can also be addressed in a healthy way. Children come into the world as innocent beings. They learn from what they are taught as they mature throughout their environmental experiences.

To each of my colleagues, it has been a pleasurable journey in this course growing and learning with, and from each of you. Each one of your discussions and responses has provided hope, and has allowed me to look at the issues of cultural differences, equity, and opportunities for social justice in a much more positive way. I wish each of you continued success as you carry out your educational goals, and as you strive to make a difference one family at a time.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

          Working in an early childhood setting within a social service agency is a very rewarding experience as we as educators reap the benefits of enhancing and touching the lives of those we serve. Oftentimes in such settings, one must always prepare for the unexpected. For example, receiving a family from the Dominican Republic. Receiving a new family from another country is exciting, but also brings about feelings of uncertainty for the family and for staff. Neither I, nor the staff, know anything about the people or the culture of the Dominican Republic, other than the primary language spoken is Spanish. However, we believe in offering a culturally responsive environment so all families feel welcomed and supported. In order to prepare for their arrival, staff have researched and educated themselves a little about the culture of the Dominican Republic. Educating ourselves about the culture of another country is important and will give a little bit of insight on what to expect. It is important to not solely rely on outside resources when trying to understand another culture due to overgeneralization. Each family and child is unique and it’s important to understand that.

            Being culturally responsive involves developing a rapport with not only the child, but also the family. If we are aware that the primary language is Spanish, have an interpreter available to assist them. Learn the names of each individual family member, find out their reasons for migrating, and make your contact information available for them. Allow the family to educate you about their cultural beliefs, values, family dynamics, customs, work habits, gender roles, traditions, concerns, and what is important to them. Provide them with resources that they can connect with and feel supported within the community. Find out their educational aspirations for their children, and their learning and parenting styles. Let children provide resources to the learning environment from their home culture that make them feel comfortable and that everyone can learn from. Incorporate what you learn about the home culture into the learning environment.

            As families continue to become acculturated and acclimated to their new environment, it is important as an educator to develop an ongoing rapport. Individual and family needs change. The goals and needs expressed initially may no longer be their concern. When a new family enters the environment, it is a learning experience for both the family and the educator. Preparing and providing a culturally responsive environment is important as the hope is to bridge the gap between our cultural background and the cultural background and experiences of those we serve. When we work to make this happen, not only do we as educators feel rewarded and successful, but children and families feel supported as they strive to fit into their new home.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

          Stereotypes, biases, and prejudice lead to further feelings of inferiority and oppression within in those that are not a part of the dominant culture of society. I recall an incident that happened within a social services institution where I witnessed someone as a target of bias and oppression. A Hispanic family, whom just recently moved to The United States from Mexico, came in to receive social service assistance. As the family approached the counter to ask for assistance with the application process, I could sense the feelings of uncertainty each of them had about being there and asking for assistance. The mother/wife proceeded to the desk and began to speak. As she began to speak, I noticed she could speak some English, but her native language was Spanish in which she felt more comfortable in speaking. The receptionist at the desk had a hard time understanding her. No one with her could speak English too well either. Instead of taking the necessary steps to find someone to assist her, the receptionist told her, “Sorry ma’am but I can’t understand you. You don’t speak English too well.” He instructed her to stand to the side while he proceeded to help someone else. The woman stood there for a period of time. The receptionist finally approached her and explained she would need to return another day with an interpreter or someone that could interpret for her. I certainly knew the agency offered interpreter services, but I also knew that it could take a few days for customers to receive assistance from this service. Unfortunately, if that family was in great need, waiting for services could cause further detriment. Not only was the issue waiting for services, but the receptionist could have been a little more compassionate in helping this customer. He could have called the interpreter service and gave the customer an appointment time. He also could have asked staff if anyone whom spoke Spanish could help service this family. It was apparent this family was in urgent need of assistance.
           That incident not only brought about feelings of inequity for that customer, but also the inequities that exist among institutions. The United States is supposed to be “the land of the free and the home of the brave” where “all men are created equal”. That family is already living in a part of the world where they are no longer considered the majority. I’m sure that incident brought about further feelings of inferiority and helplessness for that family. As a minority living among a dominant society, that incident made me realize that although we may think we have obtained or earned some of the same privileges as the dominant among us, there will always be someone or an incident that will remind us that we still do not quite equate.
           In order to turn this type of incident into an opportunity for greater equity, the agency would need to become more culturally responsive. Services need to be readily available for those who need assistance in interpreting their needs. Not just for those whom are linguistically different, but for anyone that would need assistance. I also believe that the agency should offer educational trainings, especially those that concern culture and diversity. Staff would develop a sense of compassion for those that come from other areas of life, and how to further assist them. I also feel that it is not always the fault of the institution. We have a responsibility to educate ourselves about cultural differences and how our actions may negatively impact or affect those whom are already at a disadvantage. There are many reasons families flee to the U.S. One reason, which I am aware of, is to escape the overt oppression and “isms” that exists among their own country. The last thing these families need, when trying to obtain services, is to feel inadequate and be reminded of where they actually stand in this society. I believe with education and diminishing our own biases, we can make a difference no matter the situation.