Information Memorandums (IMs)—2008

Invitation to the Office of Head Start National Dual Language Institute: A Time for Action
ACF–IM–HS–08–14

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

TO: Head Start and Early Head Start Grantees and Delegate Agencies

SUBJECT: Invitation to the Office of Head Start National Dual Language Institute: A Time for Action

INFORMATION:

The Office of Head Start is proud to extend this invitation to the National Dual Language Institute: A Time for Action to all Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and American Indian Alaska Native Head Start programs. The Institute will be held on October 28–31, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Through this Institute, the Office of Head Start is—for the first time—bringing together leaders from Head Start programs around the country to focus on how best to support young dual language learners (also referred to as English language learners (ELLs)) who are learning both English and their home language or whose native languages are being revitalized. The Office of Head Start identifies dual language learners as children learning two or more languages at the same time, as well as those learning a second language while continuing to learn their first language.

Institute Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the Dual Language Institute is to describe and disseminate approaches and resources that foster dual language development in young children, including their acquisition of English.

The goals of the Dual Language Institute are to:

• Emphasize sections of the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 as well as the existing Head Start Program Performance Standards in the area of dual language learning.
• Highlight dual language acquisition research for children birth to five and its implications for practice.
• Discuss the importance of dual language learning including the acquisition of English, language revitalization, and cultural responsiveness as they relate to school readiness and positive outcomes for children.
• Provide tools and resources for programs to effectively support dual language learners and their families.
• Demonstrate and disseminate methods, approaches, and instructional practices for programs to effectively serve children, families, and communities.

Institute Content

Plenary and breakout sessions will feature topics to address issues important to Head Start programs that are already serving diverse populations and programs that are anticipating a demographic shift and a change in local population. The topics include: Program Design and Management, Professional Development, Mental Health, Family and Community Partnerships, Research, Assessment, Language and Literacy, Social and Emotional Development, and Special Populations.

Participants

The Institute will bring together Head Start program directors, staff, and parents for discussions that will focus on acquiring knowledge, gaining skills, and highlighting resources to address challenges and maximize opportunities for young dual language learners. The Office of Head Start is recommending that grantees send up to three people to represent three of the following positions:

• Program Director
• Education Manager
• Teacher Leader
• Parent Leader

Institute Registration and Fees

A web site (www.hsnrc.org/DLI/) has been created to support communication and online registration for the National Dual Language Institute. The registration fee of $295 per participant is due, along with all completed registration forms, by October 10, 2008. There are three easy ways to register: online, mail, or fax. Head Start program funds may be used for registration, lodging, travel, and related expenses; no supplemental funds will be provided at this time.

We will be offering Continuing Education Units on a session-by-session basis. The processing fee is $20 per person and may be paid onsite via cash, check, or credit card. A listing of sessions will soon be available on the Institute’s web site.

Recent History of Serving Dual Language Learners

In the winter of 2005–2006, the Office of Head Start conducted a review of program needs with respect to serving young dual language learners, ages birth to five years. In early 2008, the Office of Head Start released the Head Start Dual Language Report entitled Dual Language: What Does It Take? which can be found on the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov). This report, based on a needs assessment and research background, offers recommendations for a comprehensive approach to support dual language learners.

The Office of Head Start recognizes that dual language learners enter Head Start programs with unique challenges and opportunities. The Office of Head Start’s interest in this topic arises from its understanding of the importance of language development for learning in all domains and as a precursor for literacy development. The development of both language and early literacy are fundamental building blocks for achieving Head Start’s legislated mandate of promoting school readiness for all children.

Given Head Start’s history and commitment to serving young dual language learners, I encourage program directors and managers, teacher leaders, and parent leaders to attend the Dual Language Institute to learn more about how your programs can meet the needs of your diverse populations and promote dual language learning. I look forward to seeing you at the Institute in October.

(Download in PDF)