Supporting Dual Language Learners in Early Childhood Education Programs: A Mini-Conference for Educators, Administrators, Researchers, and Clinicians
UC-Berkeley and UC-Davis
Check out the conference program here!
Fill out this form to register for our conference.
Date & Time: April 26, 2024, 9am – 3pm PDT. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Location: Berkeley Way West Building (Room 1102), University of California Berkeley, 2121
Berkeley Way, Berkeley CA 94720
Organizers: Qing Zhou, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, UC-Berkeley; Yuuko Uchikoshi, Ed.D.,
Professor of School of Education, UC-Davis.
Cost: Free
Description:
Dual language learners (DLLs) are young children who are exposed to and learning two languages in their development. One in three children from birth to age 5 in the U.S. and more than half (59%) of children in California are DLLs. Many DLLs have immigrant origins and belong to racially-ethnically minoritized groups. DLLs possess important developmental strengths, including their home language skills and cultural assets. But they also face challenges in their education, including the lack of access to high-quality early childhood education, families’ unfamiliarity with the school system, socio-cultural barriers to parent involvement, and racial/ethnic/language discrimination. This points to a high need for more research-informed and culturally competent practices to support DLLs’ development and
promote their school readiness in early childhood education programs.
This one-day mini-conference will bring together early childhood educators, administrators, researchers, and clinicians to create dialogues and explore innovative approaches to address the unique developmental needs of DLLs and their families in diverse communities. The ultimate goal is to foster sustainable research-community partnerships that enable the rapid translation of research discoveries into education programs, services, and policies benefiting this rapidly growing population. The conference also offers a professional growth opportunity for early childhood education professionals in the greater bay area.
Panel Discussion Topics:
- Promoting language and socioemotional development & school readiness in DLLs
- Promoting family engagement, positive parenting, and parent involvement in DLL families
- Supporting young DLLs with special needs
- Supporting teachers in multilingual and multicultural classrooms
Questions: Qing Zhou (qingzhou@berkeley.edu), Yuuko Uchikoshi (yuchikoshi@ucdavis.edu)