For many children, fear doesn’t stay at home, it follows them into the classroom. Anxiety related to immigration enforcement and the threat of family separation shapes children’s experiences, learning, and development.
As a Mexican American teacher raised in the U.S., I’ve seen how fear quietly seeps into daily life. In schools, it shows up as anxiety, trouble concentrating, or sudden behavioral changes. These are not signs of defiance, they are signs of stress.
For Educators: Make Classrooms Safe!
Educators are often the first to notice if a child is struggling. Schools can become anchors of stability.
Simple ways to help can be:
- Greet students warmly and consistently.
- Keep predictable routines and schedules.
- Offer reassurance and space to share feelings.
- Connect students and their families with counseling resources or community support.
- Remind families that they are safe and welcome in the school.
- Create policies that help parents feel safe and welcome in the school.
For Parents: Support at Home
Parents may feel afraid or overwhelmed. Trust and communication with schools matter more than ever.
What helps:
- Maintain routines at home.
- Examples: Keep regular meal times and bedtime routines, or read together before bed to create a sense of stability.
- Encourage age-appropriate conversations about feelings.
- Keep it simple and reassuring.
Example: “ It’s okay to feel scared. You are safe at home with us.”
- Let them talk and ask questions.
Example: “ What have you heard? How does that make you feel?”
- Reassure children that they are safe and loved.
- Engage with schools and community resources, even in small ways such as:
- Ask the school counselor or psychologist about social emotional support available on campus
- Attend virtual school meetings if in person feels overwhelming
- Reaching out to trusted community organizations for family, workshops, or legal information
- Participating in family school night or resource fairs, even briefly, to build a familiarly interest
For Children with Special Needs
Disruptions can have a stronger impact on children with special needs. Changes in routine may lead to emotional shutdown, frustration, or behavioral challenges. Some children may become quieter than usual, while others may show increased irritability, or difficulty focusing.
Supporting children with special needs you can:
- Stick to routines and clear expectations.
- Predictability helps reduce stress.
Example: Use a simple daily schedule so that the child knows what comes next
- Collaborate closely with educators, support staff, and families.
- Consistency between home and school makes a big difference
Example: If a teacher uses calming breaks at school, try a similar break at home.
- Watch for emotional distress and respond patiently.
- Behavior is often communication
Example: If a child seems withdrawn, gently ask, “Do you need a break or want to talk?”
- Offer simple calming tools.
- Small supports can help children regulate.
Example: Deep breathing, quiet time, or a favorite comfort item can help settle emotions.
Let’s Remember Our Role as Educators
Teaching isn’t just academics, it’s compassion, care, and understanding the realities students live with everyday. Classrooms should be places where every child is valued, safe, and seen as a learner.
By working together, educators, parents, and communities, we can ensure fear doesn’t define a child’s school experience. Every child deserves a classroom rooted in safety, dignity, respect and hope.
Resources:
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Know-your-rights guides, education rights, and policy updates. https://www.nilc.org/
- United We Dream: Family preparedness plans, youth resources, and community guides. https://unitedwedream.org/
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Resources for educators and caregivers supporting children facing immigration-related stress. https://www.nctsn.org/
- Child Mind Institute – Helping Kids Cope with Stress & Fear: Parent-friendly guides for talking to children about scary news and uncertainty. https://childmind.org/
- Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance): Tools for creating inclusive, safe classrooms. https://www.learningforjustice.org/
- 211 (Nationwide Resource Line): Connects families to local services including legal aid, counseling, housing, and healthcare. https://www.211.org/
Authors:
Karla Cervantes | California State University, Fullerton
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