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Find tips classroom staff and home visitors can use when they do not speak the languages of the children in their care.

Established in 1965, Head Start promotes school readiness for children in low-income families by offering educational, nutritional, health, social, and other services. Since its inception, Head Start has served more than 30 million children, birth to age 5, and their families. In 2012, Head Start was funded to serve nearly one million children and pregnant women in centers, family homes, and in family child care homes in urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the nation.

In order for children to close any achievement gap they may have experienced when they entered Head Start or Early Head Start, programs must have clear systems in place that support high-quality instruction. These resources are designed specifically for program leaders.

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.

Tribal Consultation reports reflect comments and recommendations raised by Tribal leaders and their representatives; comments and responses from OHS; and areas identified at the Tribal Consultations as requiring follow up by OHS.

Explore these resources about indigenous immigrant families and their culture.

Infants depend on their caregivers for food, warmth, and care, and for meeting such basic needs as eating, diapering, sleeping, and bonding. But all babies are unique. Some infants may settle easily and be capable of quickly soothing themselves.

Consider these strategies that help children learn socialization skills and develop safe behaviors on the bus.

Consider these action items when you address your program’s transportation security and safety risks.

Consider these strategies as you prepare for vehicle evacuation drills.