The linguistic skills a young dual language learner (DLL) acquires are life-long assets. However, all DLL children share a common trait: they are learning at least two or more distinct linguistic systems during a critical and rapid period of linguistic and cognitive development. How do we best support these learners and their families during this crucial stage of learning?
Join the Office of Head Start as it highlights effective DLL teaching practices and the benefits of being a dual language learner. Head Start will offer one interactive e-learning session per day from February 18-21, 2020.
For more resources on dual language learners, visit:
Child Trends
CLASP
NASEM
By Susan G. Hibbard Executive Director, BUILD Initiative
BUILD turned to Dr. Linda Espinosa and Miriam Calderon to find out the extent to which states’ ELDS reflect the current research and address the learning needs of young dual language learners. They examined 23 states’ ELDS for pre-k-aged children to determine the most common approaches for representing dual language learners across a broad set of criteria. Their report, “State Early Learning and Development Standards/Guidelines, Policies & Related Practices: How responsive are they to the needs of young dual language learners?" includes an individual state profile that summarizes how each state is addressing the needs of young dual language leaners, and concludes with recommendations for how states can be more responsive to the needs of dual language learners in their ELDS and other components of their early childhood system.
Miriam Elena Calderon Special Projects
Young Dual Language Learners (DLLs) are getting more attention than ever before. The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge required states to be explicit about their efforts to ensure that more DLLs were served in high-quality programs. The prevalence of the use of term dual language learner connotes a greater awareness of the fact that these children are not just learning English they are doing so while also trying to maintain and develop their home language.