New Reports, Data Tool Spotlight Young Dual Language Learners and Provide a Framework to Identify and More Equitably Serve Them in Early Childhood Programs

WASHINGTON — One-third of the nearly 23 million preschool-age children in the United States live with a parent who speaks a language other than English. Despite the size of this Dual Language Learner (DLL) population and its distinct linguistic assets and learning support needs, nearly all states lack any standardized policies for systematically identifying these children. Yet doing so would provide the means for early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs to determine if these children are being effectively and equitably served—rather than waiting until they enroll in kindergarten.