2021 Volume 21 Pages 1-10
The purpose of this study was to determine how childcare centers and workers perceive and support parents with foreign backgrounds when parents enroll their child for care. A questionnaire survey of childcare workers from 124 childcare centers in municipalities with relatively large numbers of foreign residents was conducted. The result suggested that workers are aware of the following needs: (1) special consideration when conveying information, (2) assistance in building trusting parent-worker relationships, and (3) sensitivity to differences in backgrounds, specifically customs and religion. It can be said that childcare workers have respect for individuality and provide support to parents with foreign backgrounds based on “cultural competence.” However, the results also found that there is insufficient knowledge concerning the use of social resources and collaboration with other institutions. It appears that a greater understanding of the social work perspective is necessary to improve support for parents with foreign backgrounds.
