Specific Strategies to Support Dual Language Learners (DLLs) When Adults Do Not Speak Their Language
Find tips classroom staff and home visitors can use when they do not speak the languages of the children in their care.
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Dual Language Learners
These resources offer information and guidance on the needs of children who are acquiring two or more languages at the same time or are learning a second language while developing their first. Besides dual language learner (DLL), other terms that resources may use when referring to these children include bilingual, English language learner (ELL), Limited English Proficient (LEP), English leaner, and children who speak a Language Other Than English (LOTE).
The Policy Statement on Supporting the Development of Children Who Are Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Programs provides recommendations to early childhood programs that promote the development and learning of young children who are DLLs. It also provides support for language revitalization efforts within tribal early childhood programs.
Find related DLL program assessment resources.
Planned Language Approach (PLA): Policies, Practices, and Systems
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.
Code Switching: Why It Matters and How to Respond
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.
Early Essentials Webisode 9: Language Development
Discover more about infant and toddler language development. Hear tips on how to support this development, including for children who are dual language learners.
Early Essentials Webisode 9 Practice Moment: Language Development
Use this video to guide reflection and enhance practices that support language development with infants, toddlers, and their families.
Building Skills in Two Languages
Learn teaching practices to encourage language development in English and home languages for children who are learning more than one language. Practices include having responsive conversations, teaching new vocabulary, and building relationships with parents that support language development.
60 Minutes from Catalogue to Classroom (C2C)
This series of professional development training modules highlights individual journal articles featured in the Head Start Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness Resource Catalogues (Volumes 1-3). Head Start program directors, education managers, trainers, and others may use this content to encourage discussion with staff on culture, dual language learning, and best practices.
Same, Different and Diverse: Understanding Children Who Are Dual Language Learners (DLLs)
Young dual language learners (DLLs) are a very diverse group with different languages, experiences, strengths, and gifts. This resource outlines the language similarities among all children. It also highlights the differences between children learning two or more languages and those learning one.
ECLKC Professional Development Modules
The Head Start ECLKC Professional Development Modules are designed for individual or group professional development activities to help Head Start programs meet the needs of children who are dual language learners and their families.
Dual Language Learners with Challenging Behaviors
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.
