Discusses the importance of recruiting immigrant families of English Language Learners (ELLs) to participate in early childhood education. Increasing numbers of immigrants are arriving in the United States with young children who will attend preschool and then move through elementary, middle, and high school. Obstacles to preschool enrollment include socioeconomic factors such as family income; mother’s level of education and parental employment status; lack of access to quality programs; communication challenges; and cultural expectations. Successful recruiting of immigrant families is achieved by ensuring their preschool needs are met; connecting with community agencies; communicating in target languages; and holding open house events. Ongoing additional support for immigrant families focuses on meeting with parents; understanding the challenges of new students on their first days at school; providing down time; clarifying behavioral expectations; recognizing anxiety; and establishing a warm relationship with the child.
