Page 23 - PSPS: A Training guide

Attentive listening helps build trust and strengthen the partnership between
families and professionals, leading to more successful transitions for children. On the
other hand, if educators are dismissive or fail to listen to families, this can lead to
frustration and mistrust, which can ultimately hinder the transition process. It is vital
for each educator to be aware of their own communication style and to work on
developing effective communication strategies to build positive relationships with all
families.

Socio-economic background

The socio-economic status of their family can significantly impact a child's start in life,
academic achievements, and overall well-being. Families from low-income
backgrounds may face challenges such as lack of access to quality early childhood
care and education, inadequate housing, and limited healthcare, which can have
negative effects on a child's development and is likely to affect the transition. In
contrast, families from higher-income backgrounds may have greater access to
resources such as private schools, extracurricular activities, and tutoring services.
Those two backgrounds can produce very different transition experiences for both the
child and the families and professionals themselves. Educators should strive to
understand the unique challenges that families from low-income backgrounds may
face and work with them to identify resources and strategies to overcome these
challenges or at least lessen their impact. This may require connecting families with
community resources such as social supports, food banks, and healthcare providers.

It is also important to note that families from different socioeconomic backgrounds
may have different expectations for their child's education. Educators should be
respectful of these differences and work with families to identify their priorities and
goals for their child's education.
Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a concept that emphasises the connection between various
aspects of a person's or group’s identity and experiences. Professionals who work with
families during the transition process need to recognise that there are multiple social
identities, which may intersect in complex ways to influence a family’s experiences and
attitudes towards transition. For instance, a family that identifies as people of colour,
Muslim, and low-income may face unique challenges related to discrimination,
Islamophobia, and limited access to resources.
Educators should be aware of the potential intersections that may affect a family's
experiences and work to provide targeted support that is culturally responsive. This can
include providing language support, connecting families with resources, and working to
build strong partnership based on mutual respect and understanding. They can also
leverage cultural assets and strengths that families bring to the transitio process, such
as cultural knowledge, values, and indigenous practices. By doing so, they can create a
more inclusive and supportive environment for all children and their families.