Interesting Piece of Information: HeadStart in Illinois

Illinois Early Learning Project. (2012). FAQ: What does the research say 
           about dual language learners? Retrieved on Nov. 1, 2012 
           from http://illinoisearlylearning.org/faqs/dll.htm

Learned:

1.      “If a child meets the criteria (tested for English proficiency) and at least 20 students share the same language, the child must be offered a transitional bilingual education preschool class that will provide instruction in basic academic skills in his or her native language as he or she learns English (ISBE, 2010). If there are 19 or fewer preschool DLL students who speak the same language in a public school district attendance center, then a locally determined transitional program of instruction, usually including English as a Second Language (ESL) and home language support, is to be provided for those DLL students.”

2.     " The new regulations also require that by 2014 lead teachers in bilingual preschool classes be certified in bilingual instruction or in English as a second language, as well as in early childhood education. The number of early childhood educators who already have both these certifications is currently not enough to meet the demand statewide, although many school districts are encouraging dual certification. Many observers are concerned that the new regulations will pose problems for school districts already facing financial difficulties (Malone, 2010)."