Dual Language Learners: Key Characteristics and Considerations for Early Childhood Programs

Dual Language Learners (DLLs)—that is, young children who have at least one parent who speaks a language other than English in the home—make up a large and growing share of U.S. children ages 0 to 5. This is the case both nationwide and in many states. And while Spanish is the top language in DLLs’ households, dozens of other languages are also spoken, reflecting the diversity within this population.

This series of fact sheets shares important characteristics of DLLs’ families that should be considered in early childhood education and care (ECEC) program and policy design and implementation, and particularly in efforts to adress barriers that have led DLLs to enroll in such programs at lower rates than non-DLL children. Among other things, the fact sheets look at languages spoken, household income, parental education, and access to the internet and computers. This information is based on MPI analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, and the 25 states featured are those with the largest DLL populations.

Read the state fact sheets below: