One-third of the children in Head Start programs are dual language learners (DLLs) who are learning English while also learning their home language. Virtually all of these children will code switch. In other words, they mix two or more languages in the same sentence while speaking. It is important that teachers, home visitors, and other staff understand what code switching is, the role it plays in language development, and how to respond to it.
Read this guide that includes a worksheet designed for Early Head Start and Head Start teams. It helps ensure that their screening process provides the best possible results for all children, including dual language learners (DLLs).
Teachers know and understand the broad range of content areas and the developmental expectations (i.e., social and emotional, cognitive, expressive and receptive language, motor, adaptive, and English language development) appropriate for young children as outlined by the Head Start Early Learning Framework. Teachers consider what they want children to know, understand, and be able to do using the five essential domains.
This Office of Head Start reports information on efforts to revitalize tribal languages. The report affirms the value of maintaining tribes' cultural and linguistic heritage.
NCECDTL advances best practices in the identification, development, and promotion of the implementation of evidence-based child development and teaching and learning practices.
Research has found that certain skills and circumstances predict children’s success in learning to read and doing well in school. It has identified language and literacy practices that work best when teaching culturally and linguistically different children. This includes children who speak two or more languages, or dual language learners (DLLs). This body of research supports the Planned Language Approach (PLA).
Children communicate so much through their behavior. Teachers and caregivers will find this article useful in identifying strategies for working with dual language learners exhibiting challenging behaviors.
Follow up Checklist: When a Child is Identified with a Permanent Hearing Loss
Effective, nurturing, and responsive teaching practices and interactions are key for all learning in early childhood settings. They foster trust and emotional security, offer rich communication and language learning, and promote critical thinking and problem-solving.
Check out our answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about child development, disabilities, and providing effective services to children with disabilities.