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Our Stance 

Every child is entitled to receive childcare, regardless of their immigration status. Federal law ensures that all students, no matter their citizenship or residency, have access to K-12 schooling and college advising resources. Any school district that restricts or deters enrollment based on a student’s or their family’s immigration status may violate federal regulations. At Global Children’s Center, we will always ensure that our centers are safe havens, where every child - no matter their immigration status, is embraced, valued, and supported by our staff.

Family Resources 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Immigration & Childcare Support

Is my child welcome at Global Children’s Center regardless of our immigration status?
Yes! We welcome all children, regardless of immigration status, and provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every family.

Do I need to provide proof of citizenship or residency to enroll my child?
No. We do not require proof of citizenship or residency. Our goal is to provide care for all children who need it.

 

Will my family’s personal information be shared with immigration authorities?
No. We do not share any personal or enrollment information with immigration enforcement agencies. Your privacy and safety are our top priorities.

Is my child welcome at Global Children’s Center regardless of our immigration status?
Yes! We welcome all children, regardless of immigration status, and provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every family.

Do I need to provide proof of citizenship or residency to enroll my child?
No. We do not require proof of citizenship or residency. Our goal is to provide care for all children who need it.

Will my family’s personal information be shared with immigration authorities?
No. We do not share any personal or enrollment information with immigration enforcement agencies. Your privacy and safety are our top priorities.

What should I do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers show up at the facility for my child?
If ICE officers arrive, we will not release your child unless they present a legal warrant. Our staff will immediately notify you and take all necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety. We do not allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our program.

How can I get a lawyer or access legal assistance if I need help with my immigration status?
We can connect you with trusted legal aid organizations that specialize in immigration support. Below are some resources available to assist immigrant families:

  • CASA in Silver Spring – Provides legal services and advocacy for low-income immigrants. Phone: (240) 491-5763

  • Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center – Offers information, referrals, and legal assistance. Phone: (240) 777-4940

  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Provides "Know Your Rights" guides and legal resources for immigrants. Website: www.aclu.org

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Offers legal guidance and support for undocumented families. Website: www.ilrc.org

  • National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – Advocates for immigrant rights and provides legal resources. Website: www.nilc.org

  • Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) – Provides free or low-cost legal services for immigrant families. Website: www.cliniclegal.org

If you need immediate legal assistance, please let us know, and we will help connect you to the right support.

How can I prepare my family in case of an immigration-related emergency?
We recommend creating an emergency plan, including:

  • Naming a trusted guardian who can pick up your child

  • Keeping important documents (birth certificates, legal papers) in a safe place

  • Teaching your child to remain calm and call a trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe

What happens if I am delayed or unable to pick up my child due to an immigration-related issue?
If you cannot pick up your child, we will follow the emergency contact instructions in your registration form. Please ensure your emergency contacts are up to date.

Does my child have the right to attend school and childcare even if we are undocumented?
Yes! Under federal law, all children in the U.S. have the right to an education and access to childcare programs, regardless of immigration status.

What should I do if my child is bullied or harassed because of their immigration status?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. If your child experiences any form of harassment, please report it immediately so we can take action to ensure their safety and well-being.

Do you offer financial assistance for immigrant families?
Yes, we offer sliding-scale tuition and financial aid options. Please contact us to see what support is available.

How do I communicate with staff if I don’t speak English?
We have bilingual staff members and translation services available. Let us know your preferred language, and we will ensure smooth communication.

What other resources are available to immigrant families?
We partner with local organizations that provide:

Legal aid and immigration support

Food and housing assistance

Family counseling and mental health services

Please let us know if you need help connecting to these resources.

Can I visit the facility to check on my child?
Yes! We encourage parent visits. Please schedule in advance so we can provide the best experience for you and your child.

If ICE officers arrive, we will not release your child unless they present a legal warrant. Our staff will immediately notify you and take all necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety. We do not allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our program.

How can I get a lawyer or access legal assistance if I need help with my immigration status?
We can connect you with trusted legal aid organizations that specialize in immigration support. Below are some resources available to assist immigrant families:

  • CASA in Silver Spring – Provides legal services and advocacy for low-income immigrants. Phone: (240) 491-5763

  • Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center – Offers information, referrals, and legal assistance. Phone: (240) 777-4940

  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Provides "Know Your Rights" guides and legal resources for immigrants. Website: www.aclu.org

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Offers legal guidance and support for undocumented families. Website: www.ilrc.org

  • National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – Advocates for immigrant rights and provides legal resources. Website: www.nilc.org

  • Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) – Provides free or low-cost legal services for immigrant families. Website: www.cliniclegal.org

If you need immediate legal assistance, please let us know, and we will help connect you to the right support.

How can I prepare my family in case of an immigration-related emergency?
We recommend creating an emergency plan, including:

  • Naming a trusted guardian who can pick up your child

  • Keeping important documents (birth certificates, legal papers) in a safe place

  • Teaching your child to remain calm and call a trusted adult if they ever feel unsafe

What happens if I am delayed or unable to pick up my child due to an immigration-related issue?
If you cannot pick up your child, we will follow the emergency contact instructions in your registration form. Please ensure your emergency contacts are up to date.

Does my child have the right to attend school and childcare even if we are undocumented?
Yes! Under federal law, all children in the U.S. have the right to an education and access to childcare programs, regardless of immigration status.

What should I do if my child is bullied or harassed because of their immigration status?
We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. If your child experiences any form of harassment, please report it immediately so we can take action to ensure their safety and well-being.

Do you offer financial assistance for immigrant families?
Yes, we offer sliding-scale tuition and financial aid options. Please contact us to see what support is available.

How do I communicate with staff if I don’t speak English?
We have bilingual staff members and translation services available. Let us know your preferred language, and we will ensure smooth communication.

What other resources are available to immigrant families?
We partner with local organizations that provide:

Legal aid and immigration support

Food and housing assistance

Family counseling and mental health services

Please let us know if you need help connecting to these resources.

Can I visit the facility to check on my child?
Yes! We encourage parent visits. Please schedule in advance so we can provide the best experience for you and your child.

Staff Response Protocol 

If Immigration shows up at a Global Children’s Center site, our staff is trained on the proper protocol to prioritize the safety of the child first and foremost. Staff members will take the following steps: 

 

  1. Verify the visitor’s identity and request official documentation 

  2. Verify that the documentation provided is valid, if invalid, staff is required to send visitors on their way 

  3. Notify Global Children’s Center leadership or legal counsel for guidance 

  4. Contact any impacted student’s family in their preferred language 

  5. Follow security protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff 

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Printable Rights Card

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This is a sample of a Rights card provided by the Immigrant Legal Resources Center. Consult an attorney for specific circumstances

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