Promising Practices for Supporting California’s Dual Language Learners: Overview of Findings from the First 5 California Dual Language Learner Pilot Study

More than half of California’s youngest children are dual language learners (DLLs)—children living in households where a language other than English is spoken. Early learning and care programs play an important role in supporting the language and overall development of young DLLs, including promoting the benefits of bilingualism for all.

This webinar from August 2022 shared findings from the First 5 California Dual Language Learner Pilot Study, a large-scale study on the experiences and outcomes of DLLs in California, recently completed by AIR and funded by First 5 California. AIR experts discussed lessons learned from site directors, teachers, parents, and children about supporting these students and their families.

The webinar focused on:

• Family engagement strategies;
• Professional development for educators;
• Classroom instructional practices;
• Practices for DLLs from different language backgrounds and in a range of early learning settings; and
• Supports for both preschoolers and infants and toddlers.

Presenters also discussed recommendations for both policy and practice and avenues for further research.