Imagine taking your young child to a program where the caregivers do not speak the language that you do. Think of the questions you need to ask; but you cannot make yourself understood.

Even seemingly minor miscommunication can cause confusion, waste time and resources, and lead to embarrassing situations for all parties involved. This language barrier may make it difficult for parents and guardians to establish regular communication with those caring for their children.

Communication Issues

There are so many important issues that parents and early care and education staff need to discuss about children. Simple information--like the daily schedules--may need to be communicated across languages or be available in various languages.

Communication between parent and caregiver if the child has an allergy, has been sick, or has experienced an injury or emotional trauma is important. Language barriers might be difficult across languages, as can discussions about toilet training, health and safety, discipline, or educational goals.

Many issues about the care and education of children are complex and cannot be addressed with a few words here and there. This heartbreaking and potentially dangerous scene plays out for many families and providers every day.

The Language Barrier

Early care and education settings have become more diverse over the past decade. The common experience of caregivers involves daily communication with families whose primary language is not English.

Although many parents, guardians, and family members can speak limited English, they may not be fluent enough to feel comfortable communicating in the program where their child is enrolled. These family members miss out on important information and may feel shame, frustration, and even anger when they are unable to communicate.

You also may feel frustration at not being able to communicate with children and their families. While it is ideal to employ staff members who speak the family language of the children, this is not always possible.

Sometimes qualified teachers and caregivers who are bilingual are not available. Many different native languages may be spoken by children in diverse childcare settings, and budgets generally will not allow for more adults than the required licensing ratio. Therefore, it is important to identify workable strategies that may ease communication obstacles due to different native languages being spoken by families and program staff.

Translating Important Written Materials

One strategy to help address language barriers is to ensure that basic information for parents and guardians is translated into the languages of those families most likely to attend the program. Translation is converting information, primarily written, into the target language.

For example, one important form of written information is signage at your facility. Take a look at signs or labels posted, and consider having them translated into other languages that your families may speak. Brochures or flyers about the program’s educational philosophy, hours of operation, and payment rates and schedules are other examples of written materials to translate. In addition, welcome videos or DVDs may be translated to offer a more personal connection and provide information to parents/guardians whose literacy rate in their own language is limited.

Funds may be limited, so volunteers may be sought for translation. Caution should be used to ensure that the translation accurately represents your message. While a word or phrase may be literally translated into another language correctly, the meaning may be completely different or have negative implications.

Computerized translation programs cannot consider personal and cultural ramifications of incorrect translation. Most translation software is about 40-50 percent accurate and provides a starting point; however, it is best to work with licensed or certified professionals who can dialogue with you about the areas of translation that may be questionable.

Using professionals may be expensive, but it is important. Cost-saving ways to access professionals may be through community resources who also serve the same community you are striving to support.

Communities that strive to recruit a diverse work force may have support through grant projects or Chamber of Commerce workgroups. Look for reasonable resources to help you provide high-quality translation for families.

Oral Interpretation

Another strategy is interpretation, which is usually oral. Interpretation refers to listening to something currently being spoken and stating the content in the target language during the live conversation or a presentation. You must first be able to “translate” in order to “interpret.” Just because someone can speak two languages does not qualify them to provide quality interpretation.
There are many factors to consider, such as familiarity with both cultures, understanding of the relevant terminology, respect for confidentiality, and being accepting of their role to go beyond the exact word translation by explaining the concept without changing the meaning. Insistence upon strict qualifications is much easier when the program is compensating the interpreter for his or her services, rather than accepting volunteer services.

Interpretation Challenges

While professional interpretation would be helpful during parent and guardian group meetings or training, it will be absolutely necessary when addressing more complex issues that are specific to individual children. One of the most difficult scenarios can occur when a well-intentioned family member or friend offers to interpret for the family.

While limited funds and resources may make this sound ideal, several issues should be considered before accepting this offer. Think about the purpose and context of the required communication.
Consider the proposed interpreter’s relationship with the family. Is the information to be revealed critical or sensitive? Would the family willingly disclose the information to that person under other circumstances?

In some cultures there are issues of seniority and importance, and disclosing certain matters to others can be viewed as disrespectful. You should make every effort to avoid creating harmful family dynamics or power struggles between family members and/or friends.

Although program staff may not be able to learn a variety of languages well enough to actually converse, learning to say even a few words such as hello or welcome will indicate an interest in communication. Then, depend on professionals to assist with the rest.

Internet Resources

Child Care Aware, www.childcareaware.org/en/subscriptions/dailyparent/volume.php?id=29

Communicating with Parents, National Network for Child Care, www.nncc.org/Families/cc41_comm.parents.html