Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC)

The Dual Language Learners Program Assessment (DLLPA) outlines strategies for a coordinated approach across management systems and program services. It helps Head Start, child care, and pre-K programs assess their systems and services to ensure the full and effective participation of children who are DLLs and their families. 

Find out how to use this assessment tool to target improvements in management systems and program areas that support culturally and linguistically responsive services for all children and families.

Find strategies to implement responsive care, effective teaching, and enhance organized learning environments for dual language learners. Teaching practices must support the home language and English.

Strong human resources systems include approaches that support communicating in culturally and linguistically respectful ways. Rate your program's use of these effective implementation strategies. 

Determine how your program's training and professional development practices support staff who work with children who are dual language learners and their families. 

Explore practices that use community data around the cultural and linguistic diversity of local children and families. Use them to inform program planning and design effective service delivery systems. 

Consider selecting curricula which are responsive to the diverse needs of dual language learners. This is a key element of program planning and implementation of services to support diverse families. 

Find strategies for using valid and reliable screening and assessment tools with children who are dual language learners. Using bilingual staff or interpreters to gather information is key to guiding services. 

Programs can explore nutrition, mental health, and other related health service strategies that are culturally and linguistically responsive to children and their families.