PITC Module IV - Culture, Family and Providers

Since the family is the most important influence and support in a child's life, it is so important for the childcare provider and the family to make decisions together. Just as important is the fact that an infant is developing a sense of who they are, where they come from, and how they are valued.

Recognizing and respecting the cultural beliefs that are a part of that identity formation is absolutely crucial. Communicating in an infant's home language is also important. Module IV helps providers recognize their own cultural perspectives; the feelings associated with those; how to negotiate with families when there are differences; and creating program policies which reflect partnerships with parents.

Culture, Family and Providers - Children's sense of identity is formed through the ways in which the important adults in their lives react and interact with them. Rules for living are passed down to them from their family beliefs, faith, ethnicity, etc. Children need to feel secure in who they are and where they come from. What childcare policies and practices should be in place that reflect the support of cultural beliefs?

Harmonizing Cultural Diversity for Sensitive Infant Care - Understand the importance of how children develop their sense of self and how culture impacts it. Everyone has cultural beliefs, what are yours? Explore these keys to sensitive care: 

Responding to Families in Culturally Sensitive Ways - What is culture? What is cultural awareness and sensitivity? It is important to understand how culture impacts all of us so that we can develop certain skills in order to partner effectively with parents on behalf of their children.

Protective Urges - Through a four-step process we will explore and work with our feelings that affect how we work with children and families. We will also work to understand parent's feelings so that we can be open, honest, and understanding. 

Responsive Family and Community Relationships - The information gained by having strong relationships with the family and your community can be invaluable in understanding a child and his/her family. Using that knowledge can lead the childcare provider in helping parents understand how they can help their child develop. For example, how to focus on process vs. product learning opportunities. The skills that a toddler gains in an independent painting activity are more important than having a piece of artwork that looks like something to an adult.

Module I        Module II        Module III