Supporting Ethnocultural & Multilingual Families: A Video Series
Gain insight into the experiences of ethnocultural and multilingual families and learn how to build strong, trusting relationships that promote belonging.
Watch the video series
Watch this multi-part video series
This video series will help you strengthen your intercultural practice as an educator or program leader to better support the diverse families in your program.
Training Goals:
- Explore the perspectives of newcomer, ethnocultural, and multilingual families, and reflect on how these experiences may shape their needs in child care settings.
- Access practical tools and strategies to build strong, culturally respectful relationships, support multilingualism, and connect meaningfully with diverse families.
What You’ll Experience:
- Self-Paced Learning: Short 30-minute videos you can watch at your own pace, fitting them into your schedule easily.
- Self-Reflection: Listen to stories from diverse families and reflect on your own beliefs and biases.
- In-Depth Exploration: Dive into key intercultural and multilingual concepts and strategies to strengthen your intercultural practices.
Note, this training opportunity is not eligible for compensation.
These modules were created in partnership between PolicyWise, University of Alberta’s Multilingual Families Lab, and Multicultural Health Brokers.
Video 1: Understanding the Experiences of Ethnocultural & Multilingual Families
The first video is designed for educators and program leaders to deepen their awareness of the challenges faced by historically under-supported and underrepresented children and their families in Alberta’s early learning and child care system.
In this video, you will:
- Explore Personal Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from families navigating the early learning and child care system.
- Learn Diverse Family Values: Discover the diverse aspirations and core values that families have for their children.
- Understand Community Connections: Understand how the relationships between families and communities are sources of strength.
- Identify Barriers: Recognize the challenges that prevent full participation for children and families.
- Gain Historical Insight: Learn about the impact of historical and ongoing discrimination on individuals and families.
Gain valuable insights from this first module to enhance your ability to support all children and families!
Note, this training opportunity is not eligible for release time funding.
Watch nowVideo 2: Enhancing Multilingual and Intercultural Practices
In this video, educators and program leaders will build on what they learned in the first module. You’ll develop skills to better support the diverse families at your program. You’ll also explore culturally responsive child care and its vital role in a child’s overall development.
In this video, you will:
- Learn about Culturally Responsive Care: Understand what it is, what it looks like, and why it’s essential.
- Focus on Home Languages: Discover the importance of recognizing and encouraging children’s home languages through insights from the Multilingual Language Program.
- Explore Elements of Culture: Reflect on the various aspects of culture and how they can enrich early learning and child care.
- Foster Practical Skills: Gain skills to nurture positive, trusting connections with families and children.
Take the second video to enhance your skills and make a meaningful impact in your program!
Note, this training opportunity is not eligible for release time funding.
Watch nowVideo 3: Building Family Capacity
In this video, educators and program leaders will build on what they learned in the first two modules. You’ll focus on how to support children and families by connecting them with community skills and resources. This approach includes families as essential partners in their child’s holistic development.
In this video, you will:
- Empower Families: Understand your role in supporting ethnocultural and multilingual families to identify and enhance their strengths.
- Reflect on Culturally Responsive Impact: Explore how culturally responsive child care can positively shape communities and society.
- Value Parental Knowledge: Learn the importance of recognizing and validating families’ insights as vital strengths for their children.
- Develop a Strengths-Based Lens: Build skills to leverage cultural wealth for child development.
- Become a Broker: See yourself as a connector who helps families access valuable community resources.
Learn skills in this video that will have a meaningful impact on your practice and the lives of families!
Note, this training opportunity is not eligible for release time funding.
Watch now
Find more resources, events, and training on the Spark Resource Hub
Access trusted tools and learn about events and activities that can grow your skills!
The Spark Resource Hub connects educators and program leaders to practical resources for strengthening culturally responsive child care. In the calendar you’ll find upcoming activities and events available across the province and online. The Resource Hub is a one-stop place to find the supports you need to spark ongoing learning and growth in your program.