A Data Profile of Young Dual Language Learners and Implications for Early Childhood Programs

Nationwide, there are 7.1 million children ages 0 to 5 who are Dual Language Learners (DLLs), comprising one-third of all U.S. children in this age group. These young children have at least one parent who speaks a language other than English at home, meaning when they enroll in English-speaking preschool, kindergarten, or other early childhood programs, their brains are using multiple language systems that are developing at different rates.

This series of fact sheets highlights key characteristics of DLL children and the households in which they reside, nationwide and in the 30 states with the most DLLs. The data underscore both the diversity of this population and certain factors that may hinder access to early childhood services. These characteristics should be considered in the design and implementation of such services to ensure they are equipped to support the well-being and future success of all children and their families. This information is based on MPI analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Read the state fact sheets below (and for a spreadsheet of related data for the United States, all 50 states, and Washington, DC, click here).