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Engaging First Generation Immigrant Parents of Young Children with Exceptionalities

Early Childhood and Special Education

ISBN: 978-1-78350-459-6

Publication date: 23 July 2014

Abstract

This chapter discusses issues and strategies on engaging first generation immigrant parents of young children with exceptionalities. It describes challenges and obstacles faced by immigrant families and the professionals who serve them with a focus on Latino and Chinese immigrant families, given that Latino and Chinese are two largest immigrant groups to the United States. Available literature in early childhood education and nursing suggests that communication, financial stress, and cultural values are critical issues faced by immigrant families of young children with exceptionalities, regardless their immigrant status. Effective engagement with these families can only be achieved through positive attitudes, care, empathy, and sincere communication. Building the cultural competence, collaboration skills, and repertoire of early childhood professionals on assisting these parents access school and community resources will make the work of engaging these parents more fruitful. Most importantly, early childhood professionals must recognize and capitalize on the strengths of immigrant parents of young children with exceptionalities and encourage their participation as an equal partner to support their child’s education. The chapter is concluded with a list of practical strategies for early childhood educators to better collaborate with immigrant parents of young children with disabilities.

Keywords

Citation

Ward, H.C. (2014), "Engaging First Generation Immigrant Parents of Young Children with Exceptionalities", Early Childhood and Special Education (Advances in Early Education and Day Care, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 27-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0270-402120140000018002

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited