Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe: Immigration Enforcement and Its Impact on Early Learners
Accounts of our Early Learning Scholars caught in immigration enforcement are disturbing, these events can have lasting effects on the indivudual development of the Early Learner. Minnesota has experienced several distressing incidents, making many feel that environments such as childcare centers, neighborhoods, schools, and school transportation are unsafe. Every CHILD deserves to feel protected and confident when attending childcare or school.
Childhood Should FEEL and KNOW They are SAFE
Families should not have to worry about their children's safety during daily routines like school or childcare. Schools for our older Scholars and Early Learning settings are meant to provide safe spaces for children to learn and build relationships. Immigration enforcement in these settings threatens families' sense of safety and may discourage and even prevent children from attending school or childcare.
Immediate Procedures NEEDED
WE ALL KNOW that Swift measures are needed to protect children and educational environments by establishing clear rules that prevent enforcement actions in childcare programs, schools, and early learning settings. Parents, Educators, Social Workers, Directors, Management, YOU ARE DOING YOUR BEST to make sure each child is SAFE
Since the incident involving ICE, your responsibilities regarding protective measures have more than doubled. There is now an increased focus on ensuring safety, which has taken precedence over standard routines. Activities such as teaching, recreational time, and even shared meals have been significantly impacted due to heightened concerns for security.
Will You Consider this Thought: Walk In Wisdom Purpose Power
School managers, directors, social workers, educators, and parents have a responsibility to ensure that no child is directly involved in or witnesses’ enforcement actions while traveling to or from childcare or school, or in the presence of peers and educators. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, schools should implement an updated policy and revise the parent enrollment form to address incidents of distress or similar situations that may arise.
Think About This
WE HAVE WORK TO DO
It is important to acknowledge that media coverage often depicts scenes involving violence, such as individuals being assaulted, killed, restrained with pepper spray, forcibly detained, or subjected to verbal aggression. Exposure to such content can have significant psychological effects on both children and adults. We have important work ahead of us: collaborating with communities, school districts, and early learning providers to enhance policies that put children’s safety, emotional well-being, and continuous access to care and education first. Every child deserves safety, dignity, and compassion. It is important that situations involving children during enforcement actions are not regarded as standard practice; elevated expectations should be maintained for institutions, leadership, and individuals alike.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” – Psalm 91:11
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28.
We live in a world jam-packed with challenges, temptations, and dangers
As I pen this with tears, diverse emotions because of what has happened in an amazing State that I have lived in for a little over 20 years, and while it can be difficult at times to turn off the emotions and hit the floor in Prayer to my Heavenly Father , I will, together we will take in knowing the comfort that scripture offers guidance on protecting our children. By being vigilant and compassionate, and trusting in God's presence, we can create a safe and nurturing environment that supports their growth and happiness.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
About Kimberly V. Porter, M.Ed:
Kimberly V. Porter, M.Ed. is a member of Prayer Tower Church Of God In Christ in Grand Prairie Texas under the leadership of Superintendent Rodger D. Eiland and Leading Lady Sharon Pittman Eiland.
Beyond her work in education, Kimberly is an active contributor to several publications, including her roles as Team Writer for The Church of God In Christ’s Whole Truth Magazine, Team Writer and Co-Editor for God lock Magazine, Team Writer for RNow Media, and Author of "Spiritual Guidance Through Alzheimer’s Dis-Ease. She is developing educational books for children.