What should a program do if staff lacks bilingual skills needed for a diverse community?

Asking families to volunteer skills that are not present among staff is a proactive and inclusive approach to addressing language barriers in a diverse community. This option fosters collaboration between the program and the families, recognizing the valuable resources that community members can provide. It encourages family engagement and can help build a stronger relationship between the program and its participants. By leveraging the linguistic skills of families, staff can facilitate better communication, enhance programming, and create an environment where all community members feel welcomed and supported.

This method not only addresses the immediate issue of language barriers but also utilizes the strengths and talents of the families, allowing them to take an active role in the afterschool program. By engaging families in this way, the program can adapt to the needs of its community while promoting inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity.