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Culture and Language

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.

The Importance of Home Language Series

School readiness and school success for children who are dual language learners are tied directly to mastery of their home language. This series of handouts is designed to provide staff and families with basic information on topics related to children learning two or more languages. They emphasize the benefits of being bilingual, the importance of maintaining home language, and the value of becoming fully bilingual. These easy-to-read resources highlight important information that every adult living or working with young dual language learners should know.

Culture and Language

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.

Supporting Dual Language Learners with Classroom Schedules and Transitions

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.

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.

Head Start Bilingual Glossary

Use this glossary that provides an accurate and consistent terminology database for translating Head Start materials from English into Spanish.

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..

What Is a Planned Language Approach?

Learn about the key components of a Planned Language Approach (PLA). Find out why it's important, who can use it and where, and how a PLA can support systems and practices.

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.