Multilingual learners (MLs) are students developing proficiency in more than one language. This group encompasses a wide range of linguistic backgrounds and experiences, including those who were previously called English Language Learners (ELLs) or English Learners (ELs).
Support for Multilingual Learners in Child Care and Development Programs
AB 393 mandates that CDSS work in collaboration with the California Department of Education to help bridge the gap in identifying DLLs, getting a better understanding of their needs in early learning programs, and better supporting them. AB 393 focuses on improving the identification and support for DLLs in California's child care and preschool programs. Resources including Family Language Instrument (FLI), the Family Language and Interest Interview (FL&II), Child Care Bulletins, and more are available.
Multilingual Learning Toolkit
The Multilingual Learning Toolkit is an online hub offering research-based key principles, instructional strategies, and free, practical, and easy-to-use resources for educators teaching PreK-3rd multilingual learners.
Personalized Oral Language Learning (POLL)
POLL is a set of research-based, concrete approaches that support language learning in all environments, particularly for dual language learners (DLLs). POLL focuses on developing children’s vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension skills through strategic planning for language experiences.
Understanding Multilingual Learners
Understanding multilingual learners in early education means valuing their home languages and cultures, creating a welcoming environment, engaging families, and providing language-rich instruction that builds on their existing knowledge.
Supporting Multilingual Learners
Educators can help multilingual learners by creating a welcoming environment that values different cultures and languages. Combining children's home languages with the language used in class helps them develop their language and thinking skills, making learning more inclusive and effective.
Assessing Multilingual Learners
When assessing multilingual learner children, given that their language and content skills may be spread between English and the home language, special considerations must be made. Experts generally recommend assessing learners in both languages to get a complete view of their skills.