The first concept for school readiness is physical well-being and motor development. This webcast helps Head Start teachers, assistants, and directors better understand how culture influences parental approaches to discipline, feeding, sleeping, toilet training, and other behaviors critical to a child's physical development. Carol Bellamy, a Head Start fellow, teacher, and manager suggests using music and dance to increase physical coordination, bridge cultural understanding, and foster the child’s self-concept.

A child’s social and emotional development includes their self-concept, self-control, cooperation, social relationships, and their knowledge of families and communities. This webcast advises Head Start staff to assess their own cultural identities and biases to better address the social and emotional needs of their multicultural students. Carol Bellamy suggests creating safe havens where children can express themselves without the pressure of communicating in a new language.

A child's approach to learning describes his or her response to learning experiences. These responses include curiosity, flexibility, and persistence. This webcast may help Head Start teachers and parents create learning environments that meet the developmental needs of dual language learners.

Language ability affects learning in all development areas and increases children's school readiness. Head Start teachers and staff may use this webcast to enhance children’s receptive and expressive vocabulary.

The last component of school readiness is cognition and general knowledge. Head Start teachers and staff may use the tips offered in this webcast to help children master knowledge concepts and language skills.

Ready for Success Series

This webinar presents the content and format for the year-long professional development series on dual language learners. Programs may find this presentation helpful in exploring strategies on how they may best serve children who are dual language learners and their families. The webinar focuses on the following categories: Program Design and Management, Responsive Environments and Curriculum, and Supporting Families. The webinar also includes a question-and-answer session and explores the Program Planning and Preparedness checklist.