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Impact Areas

Dual Language Learners

Pioneering research to support Dual Language Learners, teachers, and families. Our work creates tools promoting linguistic & cultural diversity in education.

Research about best practices for Dual Language Learners not only benefits DLLs directly but also enriches the overall early education landscape by promoting culturally responsive and equitable educational approaches. We can develop more effective and inclusive educational practices that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity while supporting the academic and holistic development of these children. We know educators need specialized training to effectively support DLLs in the classroom and that data that informs whether these practices are in place are essential for creating effective policy. Our research and tools can guide the development of teacher preparation programs, ongoing professional development, and policies needed to create systems that best support DLLs in classroom spaces. 

Building Early Learning Latiné Educators (BELLE)

The Building Early Learning Latiné Educators (BELLE) program is a leadership academy with a primary objective of enhancing the presence of Latiné leaders in influential roles. Key goals of BELLE encompass:

Cultivating a Latiné ECE leadership pipeline using a culturally and linguistically affirming professional development approach, thereby amplifying Latiné representation in decision-making capacities.

Bolstering the recruitment and retention of Latiné educators in the field of early childhood education.

Elevating the quality of support for bilingual acquisition within early childhood education settings, particularly for emergent bilinguals.

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Latine Children

Featured Research

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Dual Language Learners

Evidence of Support for Dual Language Learners

Dual Language Learners

Two-Way and Monolingual English Immersion in Preschool Education

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Dual Language Learners

Opportunities & Policies for Young Dual Language Learners

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Dual Language Learners

Promoting Language and Literacy in Young Dual Language Learners

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BELLE

Developing a Pipeline of Latine Early Childhood Leaders in New Jersey, A Unique New Model

Currently, 94% percent of the workforce are women and about 24% are Latine though as you climb the elementary school ladder, there is less and less Latine representation, with only about 13% of K-12 teachers and 8% of K-12 administrators identifying as Latine. This is problematic for several reasons. First, it does not reflect the population of Spanish speaking dual language learners (DLLs), who account for about 32% of children under age five. Second, there are advantages to linguistic and cultural matches in the classroom including supporting bilingual acquisition that simply cannot occur without Latine educators in these spaces. Representation matters on its own, so does the training and knowledge that these educators possess which can make them stronger advocates for policies and practices that benefit Spanish-speaking DLLs. Third, absence from leadership has long-term earning implications for Latines in the system.

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Access Our Research Library

The National Institute for Early Education Research's comprehensive research library serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the field of early childhood education. The library is a repository of research reports, policy briefs, academic papers, and other publications related to early childhood education. Many of the resources in the NIEER Research Library are made available for free as downloadable PDFs or accessible through links.

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Learn More About Our Work

    Policy Landscapes

    NIEER's policy landscapes offer insights into early childhood education policies, enrollment, and nationwide funding. Advocates, policy-makers, and researchers rely on them to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education.

    Research & Program Evaluations

    We evaluate nationwide early childhood programs, rigorously assessing impact. Data-driven evaluations span years, revealing strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvements.

    NIEER Development Tools

    NIEER has created numerous proprietary research tools that include assessments, surveys, cost calculators, and evaluations, used by researchers and educators to gather data, analyze information, and evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood education programs. 

    International Journal of Childcare & Education Policy

    The International Journal of Childcare and Education Policy (IJCEP) is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal focusing on childcare and education policy research for young children. 

    Technical Assistance

    NIEER provides technical assistance to state advocates on improving the quality of early care and education programs and understanding the costs associated with high-quality programs. NIEER is producing a series of Guides to PreK Expansion and other resources to support state and national advocates in their efforts to ensure all children have access to high-quality early care and education. 

    Partnership with New Jersey

    New Jersey has a rich history of supporting early learning, evidenced by the state's Supreme Court decisions, legal regulations, financial investments, and committed state leadership. However, a pivotal turning point came with a landmark legal decision that sparked significant changes and laid the groundwork for progress over the last two decades.