At a Glance

Funder:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families

Project Time Frame:

2008-2010

Dual Language Learners in Head Start and Early Head Start

In recent years, the number of dual language learners entering public schools has risen sharply. Ensuring that these learners have access to the early learning experiences that prepare children for school can help support future academic success.

Mathematica is working with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to plan and develop a report for Congress on the status of dual language learners in Head Start and Early Head Start (EHS). Data from several of our large-scale studies such as the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES), Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project, and Survey of Early Head Start Programs (as well as data from the Head Start Program Information Report) are being reanalyzed to provide Congress with information on the development of young low-income children who are learning English as well as their home language, the families of these children, and the services the children and their families receive.

Mathematica will brief ACF officials and Congress on the report findings and their implications for meeting the needs of dual language learner children and families. The report will be available in 2010.