Question
Plan Ways to Support Diverse Families
danging however, is that no two families are alike. Each fami's Nelies and practices are
wed by a complex interplay of traits and factors. For example, some parents are eager to
hear your suggestions; others don't know why you are interfering in their hise at home Some
assing issues that come up at the program. Some families expect to have a significant role in
making decisions about their child, while others seem unprepared to be their chi ada
This stion describes aspects of diversity you might encounter. To know how to understand
and respond effectively, learn as much as you can about the rich complexity of each fami
Think about when, how, and what you communicate with each family Buikf relationships
throughout the year so you can learn how their lives might change over time. S, Ax exampl
anser in your class seems to be slow to develop language After checking the enrollment
Rems you find no information to help you understand the situation. However, in conversations
with this family, you might learn that the child has a potential disability, that the child is a deal
nguage learner (DLL), or that both may be true. The additional factors that might impact a
child's language development are stress in the child's home and living in poverty (Park O'Toole,
& Katsiaficus 2017). It can be hard to know what causes a language delty, so it's important
to observe the child frequently and communicate openly with the family. Look for competent
trandators or high-quality translation software to overcome language barriers Beause DLLA
are capable learners try strategies you know and learn about new ones. Understanding the
mamics of the home will provide a starting place for families and teachers to build from and
denly new learning opportunities.
Prepare Materials for Families with Diverse Languages.
When it comes to effective communication, less is definitely more. Aim for less poper, less
entot, fewer words, more white space, more visual cues Whenever possible, use as plotis
and color-coding to help all famibes understand and benefit from the information you provid
For example, try color coding key pleces, Print forms that need to be returned with a permet
so green paper. Use blue paper for forms that need to be completest signed and reverned De
yellow to indicate materials are for adults onb: Or aplapt or develop a szem that works for you