By age 2, children in immigrant families are likely to have significantly lower levels of language and cognitive development than are children of native-born parents. Differences in early development, in turn, lead to achievement gaps when children reach school.
Research identifies key similarities in parenting practices across cultures that help to promote optimal early childhood social, emotional and cognitive development, leading to school readiness and child well-being. Regardless of country of origin, socio-economic status or culture, primary responsive parenting proves to be one of the most important factors in establishing healthy child development.
Children under five are the most diverse group of Americans. Effective early childhood programs can play a key role in helping to promote the optimal early social, emotional and cognitive development of immigrant children.
The growing racial and ethnic diversity of young children in Memphis reflects national trends. Growing up in an immigrant family can pose special challenges for early childhood development.
