On your  the following is discussed:

Why does your program need a safe space policy?

To protect the wellbeing of children, parents, and staff. An unwelcome, unannounced visit from immigration agents or other law enforcement officials can be scary for children and adults. Having a plan in placeand communicating that plan to staff and parentswill help to ensure information about families or staff members isnt revealed unintentionally. It will also mitigate the disruption caused by an agents visit.To communicate that immigrant families are welcome and safe. Research demonstrates that children in immigrant families are less likely than their peers with U.S.-born parents to enroll in early child–hood programs as well as other public programs and services that support their healthy development.This is due to a variety of barriers, including fear of immigration consequences, lack of knowledge about eligibility, and complicated application and enrollment procedures. These challenges are exacerbated by todays toxic political climate. Implementing and publicly sharing your programs safe-space policy communicates to mixed-status families that you take their safety and security seriously and are considering their unique needs. It also shows that your program is a trusted resource.To ensure staff are prepared in unexpected and stressful situations. Effectively implementing your safe-space policy goes beyond developing a set of procedures; it also means ensuring all staff are trained on the policy and prepared to take action. Your plan should include expectations for initial and ongoing training to ensure staff members are always up to speed.

Let’s discuss the importance of having safe spaces. Have you or anyone in your family ever NOT felt safe? As an immigrant to this country I know that addressing all legalities to become a citizen can be expensive, difficult and scary. Many families do not have the means to become legal immediately and this is not because they do not want to. My family had to cross the Canadian/US border illegally and while doing so my father was so frightened that he fainted! This was decades ago and as a teenager my parents never thought it important to discuss the process with me.

Now crossing the border and living in the US illegally may be even scarier. How do we address this with children in the classroom. How do help our families in the classroom feel safe and that you are an ally?