Head Start programs are committed to recognizing and respecting the culture and language of the children and their families.
Programs emphasize the strengths of each children’s individual culture and language and holding high expectations for all. Administrators, teachers, providers, caregivers, and families can use these resources to promote a positive experience for all children.
Caregivers and teachers, even when they do not know the home language of children, can use a number of effective strategies throughout the day to support the children’s English language development.
Learn how to gather and use the funds of knowledge for children and families in the classroom. This approach will help staff ensure culturally relevant programming.
Watch this presentation and listen to common questions that arise when assessing young dual language learners.
Children who are new English learners may need some additional support with classroom transitions, since they may not yet be able to understand enough English to follow your directions. The strategies below will allow you to provide dual language learners (DLLs) with ways of understanding and participating in classroom transitions that are not dependent on understanding and speaking English.
Find tips classroom staff and home visitors can use when they do not speak the languages of the children in their care.
Language competency is crucial to children’s schoo l success. Planned Language Approach (PLA) ensures that decisions about program policies, curriculum, and instruction are based on key language development research, prenatal to adult. PLA also takes into consideration the vast cultural and linguistic diversity of children in the United States, as reflected in Early Head Start and Head Start enrollments.
Language is one of the most important gifts you give your child. But how do you give it? The answer is simple. Speak your language with your child at home every day!
Here are eight things you can do every day to help your child learn your family’s language and become successful in school!
The easiest, most important thing is for parents and family members to use their home language every day. Many families worry that using their home language will confuse their children or make it more difficult for them to learn English. Help parents understand that children can learn more than one language at the same time.
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.