SPANISH-LANGUAGE DIALOGUE ON CHILDCARE
On September 19, an important Spanish- language meeting and dialogue will take place in Anchorage, bringing together all stakeholders in childcare: providers, public officials, institutions, organizations, and families.This is an initiative by Laura Norton Cruz, a renowned licensed clinical social worker (LMSW), filmmaker, and writer with extensive experience in curriculum development and training focused on trauma, violence prevention, maternal and child health, and the fight against racism.
The event will be held with support from the Rasmuson Foundation, which has provided a $7,000 grant, and in collaboration with Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacqueline Atencio’s home-based daycare, Anchorage Hispanic Child Care Providers, and Laura Norton Cruz Consulting. This will be the first time all stakeholders in the childcare sector will exchange opinions and ideas entirely in Spanish. “Until now,” Laura tells us, “the planning, the conferences, the meetings to decide on the regulations and the opportunities to give feedback on matters of this sector have been only in English. In addition, because they have not been inclusive of all providers and families, they do not contribute to equity and social justice.” When Laura Norton Cruz, an American fluent in Spanish and mother of Colombian children, learned that the Rasmuson Foundation had planned grants and scholarships, she approached them to ask whether part of the funds could be allocated to this type of project, and the answer was yes. Laura plans to produce a report and a documentary on childcare among Spanish-speaking families and families who speak languages other than English. She wants to raise awareness in the community about the importance of serving families who are not proficient in English. “I want the dialogue to be sincere and open to an exchange of ideas, so that Spanish-speaking people can access financial assistance for these services without major problems,” says Laura. “I also want this exchange of ideas and concerns in Spanish to spark new ideas that can help change existing policies in the childcare sector,” Laura notes. “I hope new ideas will emerge that lead to more efficient use of resources. For example, to reduce expenses so that the money saved can be used to pay childcare workers better, because the better paid and more well-trained the caregivers are, the higher the quality of care our children will receive.” “All of this can lead to greater equity and justice for all Spanish-speaking families and in-home providers or caregivers,” concludes Laura Norton Cruz. If you want to participate or learn more, please complete the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/ReunionAnchorage |