During 2009-2010, the Office of Head Start will sponsor a series of Professional Development Opportunities (PDOs) to strengthen continuous quality improvement of program systems and services to support and respond to children, ages birth to five, who are dual language learners (DLLs). The series supports the continuous learning and professional development of staff and address OHS priorities as well as recommendations from attendees at the 2008 Dual Language Institute. Participants may choose to take advantage of all the PDOs or choose those that best meet their needs.
Who is the Audience?
Program and classroom leaders in Head Start and Early Head Start programs, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start American Indian Alaska Native programs; the TTA network; and others in the early childhood community will find this series useful.
What are the Goals and Topics?
The goals of the PDOs are to:
- Expand and disseminate content from the Dual Language Institute regarding the strengths and challenges of children who are DLLs and their families.
- Provide strategies that support the acquisition of English and the home language.
- Highlight and disseminate exemplary practices related to the interdependence of dual language acquisition and culture.
The professional development series will feature these topics: Language and Literacy, Assessment, Diversity and Multiculturalism, and Head Start 101 – the Basics of DLL Support. The Program Preparedness Checklist, a tool developed for the 2008 Dual Language Institute, will be highlighted along with the updated Multicultural Principles for Head Start Programs, which is currently in production.
Each PDO will feature expert resources (e.g., researcher, author), program leaders, and practioners. Video clips of classroom interactions and interviews with parents, teachers, aides and managers will highlight practical strategies and approaches to support DLLs. Questions from participants will be solicited in advance and addressed during the event.
Where and When Does it Happen?
The series will maximize the use of technology to present monthly PDOs consisting of a webcast or a webinar. Each PDO will be available on demand on the ECLKC in English and in Spanish, as appropriate. Some written materials will also be developed. A preliminary schedule of webcasts and webinars follows; it is subject to change. Other events and presenters will be announced at a later date.
SERIES SCHEDULE
October 2009 – June 2010
|
Date |
Title |
Description |
|
Oct 7, 2009 |
Webcast
Ready for Success: Supporting Dual Language Learners (DLLs) in Head Start and Early Head Start |
This first webcast presented the content and format for the series. An education manager described how the Program Preparedness Checklist for Serving DLLs and Their Families is currently used for continuous program improvement. Suggestions were given on how to incorporate the series into professional development training for program staff.
Presenters:
Amanda Bryans and Sharon Yandian, OHS
Terry Kohlmeier, PICA Head Start
|
|
Nov 18, 2009 |
Webinar
Head Start 101: Getting Started With Dual Language Learners in Head Start and Early Head Start |
Head Start 101 introduced new grantees to the essentials of Head Start systems and services that support DLLs and their families. The webcast highlighted exemplary practices in classrooms and in program policies. It also offered tips for supporting DLLs and their families at the start of the program year. Current grantees also benefited from reviewing and refreshing their knowledge and understanding of these essential practices. |
|
Jan 20, 2010 |
Webcast
Supporting Language Development for Children who are Dual Language Learners in Head Start and Early Head Start (Part I) |
This Webcast addressed key concepts related to language acquisition of a first and second language in DLLs, birth to five. It discussed the interconnectedness between language acquisition and development and emergent literacy. The Webcast provided specific strategies to address the different linguistic and cultural contexts that exist in Head Start programs.
Viewer's Guide and Training Resource [PDF, 171KB]
Viewer's Guide and Training Resource (Spanish Version) [PDF, 412KB] |
|
March 3, 2010 |
Webinar
Literacy Development for Children Who Are Dual Language Learners in Head Start and Early Head Start |
The Webinar will highlight key concepts in emergent literacy and writing development. It will also discuss instructional strategies and classroom environments. Video clips will illustrate strategies for expanding language and literacy experiences of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers engaged with each other and with adults when using one or more languages. |
|
Mar 2010 |
Webcast
Assessment (Part I):
Assessing Development |
The focus of this Webcast will be guiding and documenting the progress of DLLs in all areas of development and in all the domains of the Child Outcomes Framework. It will discuss the variety of contexts and languages present in Head Start programs across the country. It will also provide specific recommendations to better involve classroom leaders and families in supporting the children. |
|
Apr 2010 |
Webinar
Assessment (Part II):
Assessing Progress in English |
This Webinar will provide specific examples of how to address the mandate in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007—that children are “…making progress towards acquisition of the English language…” Experts and practitioners will present different approaches to observing and documenting progress in English and discuss how the information can be used to inform intentional practice. Assessment of the home language will also be discussed. |
|
May 2010 |
Webcast
Diversity and Multicultural Integration (Part I):
Principles and Resources |
Since its inception, Head Start has served culturally and linguistically diverse populations in ways that were responsive, participatory and empowering. This session will present the updated Multicultural Principles for Head Start Programs Serving Children Ages Birth to Five and discuss effective ways to use this booklet in professional development activities. Other resources will be discussed as well. |
|
Jun 2010 |
Webinar
Diversity and Multicultural Integration (Part II):
Connecting with the Families |
Connections between program staff and families are essential to providing culturally and linguistically responsive learning environments. This session will showcase programs where staff and families work together to serve DLLs. Strategies for involving parents in governance activities and for enhancing parent-teacher communication will be highlighted. |
