INSIGHT INTO DIVERSITY
Melanie Burgess reveals a need for awareness among childcare workers
EARLY childhood educators with awareness of other cultures and languages are in demand, as workers are required to not only care for children but understand their family dynamics. In many parts of Australia, demographics are becoming increasingly diverse so educators are required to follow suit.
The 2016 Census reveals a third of the population was born outside of Australia and while England and New Zealand – both with very similar cultures to Australia – make up the largest proportion of this group, the proportion of those born in China and India is growing.
There were more than 300 different languages spoken in Australian homes in 2016 and one in five Australians spoke a language other than English at home.
Integricare chief executive Domenic Valastro says a big part of early childhood education is understanding family dynamics and cul- tural differences. “You might have the skill set of an educator but you also need to understand the cultural nuances of the families and adjust your learning in the context you are dealing with,” he says.
“Communication with parents when they have English as a second language is important. We have families that say to us ‘Can you not speak in our native language and instruct our child in English?’.
“While we are communicating with families in their native language, their children then learn English and the children end up going home and teaching their parents the English language.”
Valastro says his company looks for workers with cultural awareness and sensitivity when hiring.
They should also be flexible, open and respectful.
“You need a level of relatability and maturity that says you can speak with parents as opposed to speaking to parents,” he says.
Integricare long day care centre manager Mahima Morgan was born in India and says her background has opened up her eyes to different cultures.
“The colour of skin is only skin deep and there is so much more to human values,” she says.