Cultural Competencies

New Start: Immigrant Serving Agencies’ Perspective on the Issues and Needs of Immigrant and Refugee Children and Youth in Canada
It is estimated that approximately 60,000 immigrant and refugee children and youth under 18 years old settle in Canada annually. A higher proportion, over 40% or 4,000 refugee children and youth arrive as resettled refugees annually. While there are marked differences between immigrant and refugee children and youth (IRCY) many common needs and challenges emerge once in Canada.

Dual Language Development and Disorders
A Handbook on Bilingualism and Second Language Learning (2004)
By Fred Genesee, Ph.D., Johanne Paradis, Ph.D., & Martha B. Crago, Ph.D.

As a professional working with children who are bilingual or learning a second language during early childhood, you know how difficult it can be to determine whether you’re seeing typical language development or a disorder. Research-based but easy to understand,  book dispels many myths about dual language development and answers key questions that might arise as you work with children and their parents.

Culturally & Linguistically Competent Services to Support Young Children, Their Families & School Readiness (2004) by Kathy Seitzinger Hepburn
This tool kit has been created for the Annie E. Casey Foundation to help promote early childhood development and school readiness. While the tool kit was created in an American context, it is relevant for a Canadian audience.