What is recommended when communicating with families who do not speak English?

• A. Teachers should do their best to use trained interpreters when communicating with parents who do not speak English
• B. Rely on their children to translate
• C. Use automated translation apps as the sole method
• D. Avoid discussing sensitive topics with non-English-speaking families

Answer: (A)

When communicating with families who do not speak English, using trained interpreters is essential. Interpreters convey messages accurately in both directions, preserve confidentiality, and apply professional standards, including understanding medical or educational terminology and cultural nuances. This leads to clear understanding of health and safety information, consent, and care plans, and helps families feel heard and respected, which supports better decisions for the child. Relying on a child to translate can breach privacy, create errors, and place an unfair burden on the child. Automated translation apps alone often miss nuance and may misinterpret important details, especially for sensitive topics like nutrition guidance or safety instructions. If an interpreter isn’t available, it’s best to reschedule or use appropriate language access services rather than proceed without proper translation. Providing materials in the family's language ahead of time further supports understanding.