Servicing English Language Learners within Beaver County Head Start / Part Two

Bonjour.

Hola.

Olá.

These are a few ways that we hear ‘hello’ in the Beaver County Head Start classrooms.  As stated in part 1, we provide interpreters during the application process and home visits/conferences. However, in the classroom, there isn’t an interpreter with the child constantly, so our teaching staff have adjusted how they communicate with the children.

A couple ways that staff communicates with the children is by having their schedule, center signs, and routine signs posted in a variety of languages. For example, one classroom has ‘how to wash your hands’ in Spanish posted in the bathroom and another has Spanish and French on their center signs. We have found that if you are able to refer to the sign or the routine, the children are able to understand. Staff have also utilized Google Translate to help with their before and after school conversations with the parents.  Some staff members are learning basic greetings and communication in their students’ home language.

Though this is a challenge, our staff has embraced it, and they are working hard to make sure that all the children know they are cared for, regardless of what language they speak.  We remind our staff that, one thing that is understood, regardless of what language you speak, is a smile.