Giving Voice in Three Different Languages

March 2020

Sarita Medero founded her large family child care program ten years ago and was very intentional about the name, De Colores, Home Learning Center. De Colores means “of color,” in Spanish. For Sarita, she wanted to create a program where children of every color and every ability had an equitable opportunity to learn.

“My family and I were victims of discrimination just because we speak Spanish,” said Sarita. “I want, and I love, inclusion, diversity, and acceptance.”

Located in Dover, Del., Sarita not only teaches in English and Spanish but also incorporates sign language. Sarita teaches Spanish two days a week; however, she includes both Spanish and sign language in all her activities.

“My students learn the basic words in sign language,” said Sarita. “I teach the alphabet, family words – ‘Mom’ and ‘Dad’ – and other common words so we can sign short sentences,” said Sarita.

Delaware Stars Technical Assistant Lea Attarian, who has been working with Sarita for four years, notes that the underlying reason for this Star Level 5’s ability to sustain quality is a combination of “authenticity, intentionality, and openness.”

“Sarita loves working with children, and they respond to her because she is genuine,” said Lea. “She prepares her activities ahead and plans each detail. She knows her children’s needs and works to give each child individual attention.”