CONDUCTING VISITS TO DIFFERENT CULTURES
You have certain rules, regulations and contractual obligations that you are required to review and report on. You have responsibility to your organization to ensure that these requirements are being met. However, as a Monitor, you will encounter providers and families from different racial, religious, economic ad cultural backgrounds. Many of the differences are reflected in how they care for young children. Different cultures have varying family values, and we need to be knowledgeable of their beliefs so that we can understand and communicate better.
You may find that providers have cultural beliefs and gender differences. They may treat boys differently than girls, expecting them to be tougher and more independent. Some cultures do not allow the children to play in sand or dirt as they consider these activities to be “dirty”. Differences in toilet training and discipline are also common.
It is important to note that not all differences are bad or go against regulatory requirements. Showing the provider respect and actively discussing the differences is necessary when addressing certain cultural issues. You should also examine the children in care. In many instances you will find that the children come from the same cultural background. Children who are cared for by providers who have like linguistic, social and environmental practices are more comfortable and adapt well to the child care routines.
Our first concern, of course should be the well-being of the children, therefore building trust and respect right from the first visit will open the doors for discussion when conflicts arise. Bring articles or handouts that explain the advantage to the children for the provider to adopt a different way of doing thing. Examine your own thinking. Ask yourself:
• Why am I uncomfortable with this practice?
• Is it breaking any regulatory or contractual requirements?
• Are the children in care of the same culture as the provider?
• What is the impact on the children if the provider does not change her belief or practice?
• Are the children at risk if the provider continues practicing her culturing belief?
• Are the parents of the children in care happy with the practices?
Examining these questions and your responses will help you to determine what the issues really are and how you should manage conflicts, build respect and open doors to good communication making you a more culturally sensitive monitor.