Research indicates that, by the year 2030, 40 percent of school-age children will speak more than one language. These numbers are growing even more quickly in preschool due to increasing immigration and birth rates. Early childhood programs are often the first experience many children have with a teacher and school environment, which makes the preschool years a prime time to support the emotional and academic growth of children who have home languages other than English. This course will explore research-based, best practices to help early childhood professionals provide dual language learners with safe, nurturing, and responsive environments that are crucial to their long-term success.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the stages of second language acquisition.
• Use information gained from families about their home language to support children in both their home language and English language development.
• Use read-aloud techniques to support the oral language development of dual language learners.
• Use strategies to support the literacy development of dual language learners.
• Support both dual language learners and their families through a culturally responsive and anti-bias environment.

These strategies are job-embedded and will need to be implemented with children who are dual language learners in your setting.