EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Stimulating the use of childcare facilities among immigrant parents

Stimulating the use of childcare facilities among immigrant parents

Introduction

The institute Enzovoort, Innovation in Emancipation investigated why immigrant parents make less use of childcare facilities relative to other groups. In response to this, Enzovoort, together with two day-care centres and an after-school care facility, is attempting to achieve the incorporation of diversity policy. 'Childcare in all colours' is the follow-up project to the project 'New ideas with and for immigrant parents'.

Problem

What is the reason for the relatively small number of immigrant children in childcare and how can facilities be modified to attract more immigrant parents?

Description

The requirements of immigrant parents in respect of childcare were investigated as part of the project 'New ideas with and for immigrant parents'. Any bottlenecks and wishes as to how childcare could be improved, were also investigated in this project.

This was achieved, among other means, by organising training weekends in the province of Gelderland. The participating parents formulated their own experiences, wishes and bottlenecks. During the training weekends, attention was also devoted to, amongst other items, discussion techniques, negotiating skills and presentation techniques.

Approach

In collaboration with the Osmose and Skar childcare organisations and Spectrum, the provincial support institution for childcare, Enzovoort extended the project 'New ideas with and for immigrant parents' and started 'Childcare in all colours' in 2002, with the aim of implementing the diversity policy in childcare institutions. Special attention is paid to the participation of immigrant parents, the improvement of communication between parents and childcare supervisors and incorporating diversity into the pedagogic policy.

Results

Up to now three training weekends have been organised for immigrant parents. Approximately 45 parents formulated their own experiences, wishes and bottlenecks in respect of childcare.
The results are described in the child care campaign newspaper and the report ‘Childcare in all colours’, to inform both policymakers and a wider public about the results.
The report ‘Childcare in all colours’ contains tips and recommendations for professionals on diversity in practice.
In collaboration with the Dutch Institute for Care and Welfare the theatrical performance ‘Diversity in the footlights’ was developed. The performance is aimed at managers and childcare supervisors. With humour, it describes the necessity for diversity policies.
Enzovoort is also developing a Quick-scan, which enables organisations to test themselves in a short amount of time on the most essential aspects of diversity policy and track down any gaps.

Contact info

Enzovoort, innovation in emancipation
H. Bolek

Project start date

01/01/2002

Links

Enzovoort, innovation in emancipation (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Health