Welcoming Families from Around the World

Twice this week I have been confronted by Sweden. First, in reading a new book to my son, we were introduced to a Swedish girl, then again while browsing the book store I came upon multiple books regarding Hygge (a danish word for a moment of happiness), and how to live like the happiest people on earth. It struck me that I know very little about this culture, and that Danes who immigrate to the US may be overlooked or marginalized due to Caucasian appearance, fluency in English language (many Swedes are fluent in multiple languages due to an excellent educational system), and therefore the assumption that they are not in need of assistance in acclimation or have equity issues. So, were I to be welcoming a Swedish family there are a couple of points I would want to pay close attention to in order to be culturally responsive:

1. Language. While English is compulsory for all Swedish students (and has been since the mid 1900's), multiple languages are spoken in Sweden and it would be important to understand which the family is most comfortable with, ie, what they speak at home. Regardless of family fluency in English, I would be important to have access to a translator who is familiar with the dialect and can assist both in and outside of the facility as needed. 
2. Names. Ensure that I and my staff are able to correctly pronounce all family names. Care should be taken not to shorten or nickname the child for staff ease or comfort. As names are linked with identity, as is country of origin, it would be important to show respect by  proper pronunciation (and awareness of meaning) of names. 
3. Swedish cultural awareness. It would be valuable to have a working knowledge of the country's history, both recent and distant. This provides a framework for understanding the family, their previous experience, and general worldview. Care should be taken, however, to refrain from making the family the cultural representatives for the Swedish culture as this is an unfair and inappropriate burden.
4. Family cultural awareness. Awareness of Swedish culture is not enough. While becoming familiar with foods, dress, and language are a start, it would be important to understand the family as a unique entity. What are the values related to family structure, children, education, authority, and happiness? What beliefs does the family hold with regard to ECE, gender, race, religion, etc? How can the EC facility best support the family values, beliefs and goals? This would require direct communication with the family, if possible in their own home, as this would provide the fullest picture of family life as well as communicate interest, respect, and partnership. 
5. Ensuring that the environment represents all families. This is as important for the new family as it is for the current ones. Families who enter the environment should be met with images and materials that reflect the diversity of the group, not only as an attempt to be seen and heard, but as an attempt to build communication and partnership between families. Families may be invited to partner in choosing some of the materials to be shared, such as favorite books, examples of art or music relevant to the family and culture, as well as sight words presented in multiple languages. 

It would be my hope that by beginning with these steps, the family would feel welcomed, respected, appreciated and accepted. Continued communication with the family (and all families) would be important in making sure that this was not a superficial exercise, but rather one that represents the facility's values of anti-bias, inclusion, and cultural acceptance.