A multicultural society is a society where a variety of cultures are in harmony singing their own songs. For reference, scholars often classify the types of multicultural societies into the melting pot theory, where a heterogeneous society becomes more homogeneous, or the salad bowl theory, where the multicultural society integrates different cultures while maintaining their separate identities. (2017, Multicultural Education in Early Childhood, Seunghee Kim)
Childcare centers are typically described as institutions that care for and educate children 0 to 5 years of age. Parents can drop their children off here at ease, knowing their children are in good hands, and early childhood education, such as building basic everyday habits on health, safety, and hygiene, is provided.
With the increase of multicultural families, the appropriate role childcare centers should take is being discussed more and more. This paper will be introducing the case of Yeosu Municipal Sujeong Childcare Center, the facility I am currently working at.
One of the biggest problems parents of multicultural families experience is having trouble communicating with educational institutions. They have trouble giving proper educational support to their children because they cannot understand the handouts sent from school. Taking this into consideration, the typical formats of handouts were put together to give guidance to these parents on how to understand and fill them out.
Also, parents of multicultural families show a desire to participate in economic activities. Therefore, the establishment helped them find jobs with the networks and information they have. Since they are located near tourist attractions, they were reminded of job openings on tourism customer service jobs, thus referencing them. However, it is crucial to gain agreement from the family members when doing so, since their partner, parents-in-law, or other family members might disagree. For parents that must work late and cannot pick up their children till late, late-night care is provided. In addition, constant emotional support is offered, so that they do not feel discouraged or intimidated when living as part of the community. When necessary, Korean classes are also provided. Furthermore, it is important to maintain the balance between non-multicultural and multicultural families since neglecting non-multicultural families can result in reverse discrimination. Information about governmental aid or other opportunities must be provided equally.
Occasionally, some multicultural parents are so used to receiving aid from the community that they feel uneasy when they feel neglected even the slightest. Hence, opportunities to volunteer in activities of the center are provided. Also, by partnering up parents of 7-year-olds who are soon to graduate, with parents of the school they are planning to send their children to, a network between parents is created so that they can communicate and receive help even after graduation. Therefore, the distress and trouble multicultural families face when newly entering a school can be reduced. The principal makes sure to keep in touch with the families even after graduation, and with the non-multicultural families, she contacts them to show appreciation or offer a small gift of gratitude for the help they give. In addition, although there might be regional difficulties, parents are advised to come to visit whenever they need help.
Translated by Hyunji Kwon