This essay was adapted from a piece posted on Medium.
About nine months ago, Dara approached me with a request for assistance. She wanted to bring her mother and nephew from war-torn Syria to the United States so they could be reunited as a family. Having immigrated to Evanston, Illinois from Syria five years prior with her husband and five children, Dara saw this as a crucial step in rebuilding their lives in a new country.
As a home visitor with the federally funded Head Start/Early Head Start program, my primary goal is to support families in achieving their parenting goals, especially when it comes to raising young children. While I work directly with Dara’s 4-year-old daughter, Naya, I provide assistance to the entire family as part of my role. To protect their privacy, I have changed their names, but they have graciously allowed me to share their story.
Throughout my career, I have assisted families with various challenges, from accessing basic necessities like food and diapers to securing housing. However, helping Dara navigate the complex process of bringing her family members to the U.S. was a new and daunting task for me.
After conducting research and seeking translation support, we began the arduous process of filling out the necessary paperwork, including the I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition form. The journey was long and filled with uncertainties, but we persevered, and eventually, the documents were ready to be sent.
When the time came for Dara to take the documents to the post office, she expressed her apprehension, having never done so before. We decided to turn this into a learning opportunity for her children as well, by planning a trip together to the post office. This experience allowed them to witness their mother advocating for their family and stepping out of her comfort zone.
As an early childhood educator with over 25 years of experience, I understand the critical role that home visiting programs play in supporting families, especially immigrant families. Through my work, I engage with 11 children and their families, providing resources and guidance to help them create a nurturing environment for their young ones.
How Home Visiting Programs Support Families
During my visits, I focus on empowering parents to become their child’s first teacher by providing them with tools and strategies to support their child’s development. For Naya, who is bilingual in Arabic and English, I offer developmentally appropriate lessons to bridge any learning gaps she may have. Bilingualism is a valuable asset, and I reassure parents that their children will catch up with their peers in due time.
In addition to educational support, I have assisted Dara and her family in achieving various goals, including securing new housing and enrolling her older children in a new school system. Every family has unique needs, and my role is to provide personalized support tailored to their circumstances.
Expanding Access Is Key
Research has shown the significant benefits of investing in early childhood education, and home visiting programs are incredibly valuable in supporting parents like Dara. However, these programs are often underfunded and face staffing challenges, limiting their reach.
We can advocate for increased funding and access to home visiting programs to ensure that every family in need can benefit from these services without facing lengthy wait times. By creating pathways for parents to become home visitors themselves, we can empower families, improve financial stability, and foster stronger community connections.
Imagine Dara, with her newfound expertise, guiding other families through similar processes and fostering a sense of empowerment and support within her community. By investing in home visiting programs and expanding access, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families.
