Equity and Social Justice

     For this weeks blog assignment, we were assigned to choose a country that we know nothing about and asses how we as early childhood professionals would prepare for a child coming into our classroom from that country. The country that I choose was Albania. I personally know nothing about this country. The first thing that I would do to prepare for the child was to research the country. I would find out exactly where the country was located. I would look at the country's history. I would also look and see if there were any conflicts currently going on in Albania that many have been traumatic to the child. Next, I would research the culture of the country. I would look at the food that is eaten there, I would look at the customs and religious affiliation so that I would not do or say anything that may be offensive to the child and the family. Next I would look at the primary languages spoken in Albania. I would print out some common phrases and translations, just in case the family spoke a language that I was unfamiliar with.
     Next, I prepare my class for the students arrival. I would explain to my class that we have a new student coming and that he or she may be different than we are. We would watch a video and read a book about Albania. I would tell my students that even though people may be different that we accept them the way that they are and help them to adjust. I hope that this preparation will be beneficial to the family. I know that transitioning is difficult in every aspect of life. However, moving to a different country is a huge step and adjustment. My overall goal is to make the family feel welcome and comfortable. I would like for the family to feel safe and calm about leaving their child in my care. I also would like the family to feel that I was trying to relate to them and their child. This will ensure a healthy relationship and bond between everyone thereby crating a safe an amicable environment for the child as well as the family as a whole.