Alberta is the third most racially diverse province in Canada. Of the approximately 431,000 people that immigrated to Canada in 2022, nearly 52,000 of these people made Alberta their home.
Migration is a profound journey that reshapes the lives of families, communities, and institutions — this is especially true for families with young children. How can early childhood educators and program leaders help support these immigrant and newcomer families to thrive?
In our Supporting Ethnocultural & Multilingual Families series, we delve into the experiences of families navigating migration, the systemic barriers they encounter, and how cultural understanding can transform early childhood care and education.
Pre- and Post-Migration Experiences
Migration is not just a physical relocation; it is a deeply emotional and transformative process. Pre-migration families may come from a non-Western country that hold different expectations for caregiving, family roles, and parental authority or duty. Families often leave behind deep-rooted social networks and familiar environments, carrying both hope for better opportunities and grief for what they’ve left behind.
Post-migration, families face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new cultural and social context. Children may experience a blend of resilience and vulnerability as they adapt to new environments. Despite these challenges, many families demonstrate incredible strength and resourcefulness, drawing on their cultural heritage and community networks to rebuild a sense of belonging.
Systemic Barriers in Early Childhood Systems
For families with young children, accessing early childhood education and care services can be a daunting task. Systemic barriers such as language differences, lack of culturally responsive programs, and biases in service delivery can make families feel unwelcome and alienated.
These barriers often reflect larger inequities embedded in policies and practices. For instance, rigid rules for subsidies or limited availability of multilingual staff can disproportionately affect immigrant families. Additionally, cultural misunderstandings—such as differing perspectives on child-rearing practices—can create friction between families and educators.
“It is just not easy to be a parent in a place when you have no language, not understand the system, cannot communicate with a system that has so much power.”— Arabic/Kurdish-speaking parent from Journeys Through Early Learning and Child Care
Understanding and addressing these systemic barriers requires a commitment to equity and inclusion. Providers need to actively listen to families’ stories, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions that reflect the diverse realities of the communities they serve.
Building Bridges Through Understanding
The journey of migration, the systemic barriers faced by families, and the richness of cultural diversity remind us of the importance of empathy, equity, and collaboration in early childhood settings. By acknowledging the complexities of migration and dismantling systemic barriers educators can create spaces where all families feel valued and supported.
“The staff at the child care centre work very hard. Many times during drop off time and pick up time, they try talking to me. Despite the language barriers, they try explaining things to me and even give advice like where to get a second-hand snow suit. I get a big smile every time I enter the building. I feel I belonged. In my culture they say, don’t give a meal to feed but rather give me a smile.” — Journeys Through Early Learning and Child Care
As we strive for a more inclusive future, let’s commit to listening to the voices of families, learning from their experiences, and ensuring that every child can thrive.
Take the free, self-paced Supporting Ethnocultural & Multilingual Families series to enhance your understanding of culturally responsive care and bridge these gaps, empowering families to create environments where all children feel valued.
This series goes beyond traditional training by offering:
- Real-Life Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from families navigating child care systems.
- Practical Tools: Gain actionable strategies and reflective exercises to apply directly to your practice.
- Community Collaboration: Build a network of peers dedicated to creating inclusive child care environments.
- Certifications: Earn professional development certifications that help progress your career.
Plus, the flexibility of self-paced learning means you can fit these modules into your busy schedule, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Access the Modules