Embracing Languages, Enriching Lives

Course outline

Educators who speak another language bring valuable cultural and linguistic expertise that can enrich children’s learning experiences, support families, and enhance Early Years (EY) and School-Age Care (SAC) settings. This resource explores how an educator’s home language can foster high-quality language learning for all children while authentically embracing and celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity.

Navigating the course

This resource consists of a series of short video clips featuring discussions with educators and managers in Irish EY and SAC settings. The programme is structured into the following lessons, each accompanied by a reflective question to encourage you to consider your own practice:

1. Our Story: Melanie and Kseniia
2. New beginnings with family connections
3. Languages and the whole child’s development
4. Working with parents and families
5. Celebrating every child’s culture and language
6. Our message to you

These lessons provide insights and practical strategies to support inclusive culturally and linguistically responsive practices in EY and SAC settings.