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In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s executive actions targeting illegal immigration, Christina Valdez, a child care provider based in Minnesota, took proactive measures to ensure the safety of her staff and the children in her program. Valdez installed signs at the entrance of her facility, indicating that it is private property and that any official inquiries would be directed solely to her, requiring a signed warrant to enter.
“Our priority is to support the families we serve,” Valdez emphasized. “We respect their immigration status and aim to meet their needs in any way possible.”
Historically, child care programs have been designated as sensitive spaces where immigration enforcement activities were discouraged. According to Wendy Cervantes, the director of immigration and immigrant families at The Center for Law and Social Policy, this protection extended to schools and places of worship since 2011. However, that protective measure was abolished by the Trump administration in January, which introduced a new directive from the Department of Homeland Security. This directive encourages immigration agents to exercise “discretion along with a healthy dose of common sense” with respect to enforcement actions in places where children are present, reversing the previous restrictions on entering educational environments.
The revision of this policy grants an unsettling degree of flexibility to ICE agents, as noted by Cervantes. Research conducted on the ramifications of the former immigration policies revealed instances where immigration officials were seen “loitering” near child care facilities or waiting in parking lots to apprehend parents. “The kind of discretion ICE has historically employed raises significant concerns,” Cervantes said. “I worry about how this ‘healthy dose of common sense’ will manifest itself in real situations.”
In response to the changing landscape of immigration enforcement, numerous early childhood and immigrant advocacy organizations have mobilized to offer guidance to child care providers and the families reliant on their services. Organizations like the Children Thrive Action Network and The Center for Law and Social Policy have facilitated webinars and resources aimed at educating child care providers on their rights and establishing protective protocols. Providers nationwide have begun distributing “red cards,” which outline individuals’ legal rights in the event of an interaction with immigration agents.
“Child care centers hold the right to prevent individuals from entering their premises without appropriate documentation,” Cervantes explained. She recommends that facilities adopt protocols akin to those implemented by Valdez, including clearly defined communication strategies with authorities, scripted responses, methods for documenting encounters, and a means to verify warrant legitimacy. Notably, providers must arrange to keep any such interactions out of children’s view, to protect their emotional well-being.
For Valdez, prioritizing the mental health of her staff and families remains crucial as the implications of new immigration policies unfold. “In times of vulnerability, having access to accurate information and support from those around you is essential,” she asserted. “Our focus is on providing that support.”
More on child care and immigration
The impact of President Trump’s immigration directives is felt acutely among young children and their caregivers. About 20% of child care workers in the U.S. are immigrants, and a quarter of children under the age of six have at least one foreign-born parent. As the immigration policy landscape changes swiftly, many child care centers have reported increased absenteeism among both children and staff members, exacerbating an already delicate situation within the industry.
Research quick take
Recent findings reveal that parents are making significant sacrifices, particularly regarding their mental health, due to caregiving responsibilities. A new report from Care.com indicates that 90% of 3,000 surveyed parents have experienced sleep disruption tied to “caregiving stress,” with 71% reporting related health problems. Many parents also indicated they resorted to accumulating debt and taking multiple jobs to manage the financial burden of caregiving.
More early childhood news
Reports indicate that families with young children in New York City are facing turmoil following the city’s decision to terminate leases for five child care programs. Unlike K-12 schools, early learning facilities frequently lack access to substitute teachers, a challenge explored by Emily Tate Sullivan in an EdSurge article addressing the quest for better staffing solutions in early childhood education.
In Minnesota, as more caregivers return to in-person work, there is a noticeable uptick in the demand for child care services, as highlighted by KSTP.
This article addresses the intersection of immigration enforcement and child care, highlighting the need for vigilance and support in light of evolving policies. The insights and guidance shared are vital for maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children and families alike.
Source
hechingerreport.org