Supporting Multilingual and Dual Language Learners

Programs that are supporting multilingual and dual language learners may find the resources below helpful. Remember that that Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) offer a developmental trajectory for children learning a new language on page 60.

Children who are new English learners should be assessed in TS Gold using the English learning objectives (37 & 38). Complete the TS Gold Home Language Survey for your class and the objectives will automatically be added for any children who need them. In addition, Spanish speakers may be evaluated using the Spanish language and literacy objectives if their primary language is Spanish AND the teacher is able to assess in that language (see here).

Two family engagement resources from WIDA that you might find useful are: Family Connections Through Home Languages and Learning Language Every Day: Activities for Families. These links will connect you to the English translations, but the family engagement resource above can be filtered by language and audience (choose "Early Years" for preschool). Head Start also offers some family engagement resources in other languages.

Another useful tool that you should know about is the Talking Points communication app which will allow you to translate your classroom communications into other languages. Many of our migrant families also communicate through What's App, so that may be a tool you'd like to use along with Google Translate (which is not perfect by any means, but which can at least facilitate communication in the moment such as at pick-up/drop-off).

Here is a quick round-up of best practices and strategies for teaching DLLs in the early childhood environment. California's Department of Education has lots of information about recommended practices for young children (infants up to school-age) who are DLLs. Head Start also has a wealth of resources for teachers who are supporting children who do not speak the same language as the adults in the classroom including a PD module about supporting dual language learners with disabilities.

Lastly, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) has been translated into many different languages and is a useful developmental screening tool to use with families. You can preview the Spanish version here.