Sharing Web Resources

I received a notice this week from my connection with the Office of Head Start website.  It provides me the connection to the Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) which is the great resource I focused on this week.  This section of the site seemed particularly relevant to my current professional development.  We have been talking about the challenges of changing in demographics.  Part of those challenges are related to dual language learners and the frustrations felt by all (children, families, teachers, etc).

The following website provided some amazing factual information related to dual language learners, reports about DLL, resources and materials to use to support DLL children and families with your classroom and program.

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/cultural-linguistic/Dual%20Language%20Learners/ecd;anJyYW5kMjI=

The site stated:

"Children who are Dual Language Learners acquire two or more languages simultaneously, as well as learn a second language while continuing to develop their first language. The term “dual language learners” encompasses other terms frequently used, such as Limited English Proficient (LEP), bilingual, English language learners (ELL), English learners, and children who speak a language other than English (LOTE)"

I also recommend checking out this resource from the ECLKC website because it is a valuable tool and resource when working with dual language learners in your classrooms and the children's families.  This gave me such great insight about the issue of dual language learning in reference to the issues and trends in the early childhood field.

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/resources/ECLKC_Bookstore/PDFs/Bulletin%20%2378_English%20Language%20Learners.pdf;anJyYW5kMjI=

"This Bulletin reminds us that every year, Head Start programs are steadily increasing in the number of enrolled families and children whose home language is other than English, as well as in the number of languages spoken.  Fortunately, Head Start has a long, rich history of serving culturally and linguistically diverse populations, as well as strong programmatic requirements in the Head Start Program Performance Standards to ensure a high quality program for all children and families."

Economist, neuroscientists, & politicians speaking:

The entire NHSA website is full of budget, gaining support, and articles about why it is extremely important to support Head Start for the sake of providing quality education to young children.  There are many science based articles, financial budgeting notifications, and legislative news articles.  This is the basis and foundation to our week's discussions.  This is what this "time and topic" is all about in Early childhood education right now.

Please check out the following website to see all of the available news that the website provides:

http://www.nhsa.org/news_and_advocacy/advocacy/news_room