Providing+Access



Oftentimes, if a family finds itself "lost and confused," especially in the case of cultural or language barriers, they become embarrassed. Instead of asking someone who may be knowledgeable of available resources, they tend to rely on their own efforts. However, they may find that they run into the same issue - if it is difficult to understand the information provided to you, how will you know if it's the information that you need? One way to prevent this issue is to be creative - provide visually enticing literature, organize a "Parent's Information" meeting - a way to ensure that no one becomes embarrassed is to avoid singling them out. Rather than asking a parent directly if they need any assistance, which may cause them to withdraw from the conversation if they are intimidated, invite the parent to ask you indirectly.

Also, make sure that you make every effort to provide frequent, coherent information, even if it requires the services of an interpreter. Assure the parent that you have their child's education at heart, and that you do not want to make them uncomfortable or force any information on them they do not want. Ask them what they want their child to achieve in your class, and ask them what you can do to help them continue the education at home. Sometimes this is all it takes to "spark an idea" in someone's mind - if they are trying to help their child with homework, but cannot read it, maybe they could learn a little more on their own. Or it could be as simple as a family is new to town and is looking for a good grocery store that stocks their favorite foods or a local church - by offering to connect them with someone with a similar background to themselves, you may be alleviating some unneeded worry from their lives, giving them a chance to enhance their child's productivity as well.