Reaching all children? Understanding early care and education participation among immigrant families

Excerpts from the report: This paper summarizes evidence about the participation of young children of immigrants in early care and education programs as well as relevant demographic and socio-economic characteristics of immigrant families that likely influence children's participation in early learning programs. It then discusses policy recommendations for state and local administrators of prekindergarten and other early care and education programs, and proposes areas for additional research. Policy Recommendations for States and Local Communities - Work cooperatively with community organizations serving immigrants. - Create a demographic profile of young children in the community. - Conduct a community needs assessment in cooperation with local immigrant organizations. - Recruit bilingual staff and increase training for staff working with young children of immigrants. - Assess current enrollment requirements. - Provide guidance on immigrant eligibility for early childhood programs. - Disseminate program information within local immigrant communities. - Include all settings in early education initiatives. - Encourage early education programs to promote parent involvement.