Harmony Week is coming up in the week beginning 21st March 2021! Here at Meerilinga, we are using this special week as a great opportunity to focus on the kinds of inclusive practices we already weave into the Early Learning Programs, Bindi Kindi kindergarten program and Playgroup sessions at our Child and Family Centres.
Our families are so fortunate to have a group of caring educators working towards connection and partnership to support the children in our care. So, in the spirit of sharing, we decided to collate some foundational ideas to build on when working with CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) families in an early education setting.
Read on for some expert recommendations from Meerilinga’s Parenting Facilitator, Belynda Smith.
1. Knowing your families is key.
Seek information, don’t allow assumptions to be your default position. Be curious!
2. Build relationships.
Greet families by name – that’s the simple foundation by which our partnership is built.
3. Hear families’ views.
Ask about who their child is, and what their hopes and dreams are for their child.
4. Make space to listen.
It’s important we don’t just make time to ‘tell’ but also to listen – about each family’s culture, faith and experiences. We want their voices, we want to know them. This is how we build trust and respect.
5. Use a variety of communication styles.
In person, apps, emails, letters (translated where appropriate), phone, displays and more give a broad opportunity for communication.
If you’d like more support when connecting with families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, speak with the Parenting Team.
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Are you an early childhood educator in Perth looking to upskill to a Diploma qualification? Or perhaps you’re considering beginning your journey to train as an educator in the early childhood education sector? Here at Meerilinga, we offer excellent professional training, including the CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and the CHC50113 Diploma if Early Childhood Education and Care. Find out more here