What We Do

As refugee parents are finding their own way in a new place, they don’t stop being parents. They hope to raise their children in a way that respects their heritage while also preparing them for a life in their new community. To help families with preschool/kindergarten-aged children transition, the Early Childhood Parent Navigator program provides refugee parents with early childhood development education and support in their native language. The program also works to increase opportunities for family engagement with schools and service providers, increase enrollment and support of refugee children in preschool and kindergarten, and help teachers and school staff better understand refugee parents.

Navigators consist of a select group of parents from different ethnic groups from Burma who build their knowledge, skills and confidence through ongoing training, one-on-one mentorship and peer support. Parent Navigators share their knowledge with fellow parents in culturally-relevant and linguistically-appropriate learning circles.

• Interpretation services for parent-teacher conferences, home visits and fall orientation

• Wrap-around services and support

• Monthly community learning circles

• Navigator training

• Cultural presentations

• Educational videos

• Preschool and kindergarten enrollment

• Parent education workshops

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Pregnant parents, or parents with one or more children under 5 years old, are eligible for Early Childhood Parent Navigator services.

Further Details

Parent Navigator Program Manager: Lal Muani

Click to sign up or refer a family online.

For questions, please contact muani@embarciowa.org

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please click here.