Dual Language Learners Program Assessment: Users' Guide
Learn about ways to check your program’s progress in meeting a coordinated approach to serving children who are dual language learners (DLLs) and their families.
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.
Measuring What Children Can Do in All Languages: Developmental Assessment for Children Who Are Dual Language Learners
Explore typical bilingual development in the early years and learn what it means to assess children who are dual language learners.
Coordinated Approach to Supporting Dual Language Learners
Discover ways promote a program-wide coordinated approach to supporting dual language learners and their families.
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.
Planned Language Approach
The PLA is a comprehensive, research-based way for early education programs to ensure optimal language and literacy services for children who speak English and for those who are dual language learners..
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.
Grounding Language Practices in Preschool Classrooms with Dual Language Learners: What Is a Planned Language Approach and Why Is It Important?
Watch this presentation about the Planned Language Approach support to planning and implementing high-quality language and early literacy services in all classrooms and for all children.
Screening Dual Language Learners in Head Start Programs: A Guide for Program Leaders
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).
Planned Language Approach (PLA): Research Based Literacy and Language 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).
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.