Head Start Bilingual Glossary
Use this glossary that provides an accurate and consistent terminology database for translating Head Start materials from English into Spanish.
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.
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.
Tribal Language Revitalization Report
This Office of Head Start reports information on efforts to revitalize tribal languages. The report affirms the value of maintaining tribes' cultural and linguistic heritage.
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.
Making It Work: Implementing Cultural Learning Experiences in American Indian and Alaska Native Early Learning Settings for Children Ages Birth to 5
Making It Work is a resource that can help American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) early education staff meet school readiness goals. Learn how to use it while teaching traditional cultural skills, values, beliefs, and lifeways.
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.
Indigenous Immigrant Families
Explore these resources about indigenous immigrant families and their culture.
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.