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Multilingual Learners

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Multilingual Learners

Multilingual Learners

Multilingual children learn and develop two or more languages as they navigate their home, community and early care and education (ECE) settings. Children's experiences, environments, exposure to languages, and opportunities to use language all play key roles in  their early language development.

While all young children need support, guidance, and positive interactions with adults, multilingual children need additional attention to their individual linguistic needs and experiences as they develop both their home language(s) and additional languages. Supporting multilingual children's early language development is critical for their future success in K-12 systems.

Resources for Multilingual Learners

The following resources can help parents and providers support multilingual learners.
smiling mother holding baby sitting looking at laptop with father looking over shoulder

MDE English Learner Resource Page

Visit English Learner Page
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WIDA Early Years

WIDA Early Years is an evidence-based program focused specifically on the language development of young multilingual children, often referred to as dual language learners, in early care and education (ECE) settings. Along with building local capacity in supporting multilingual children and families, the partnership also includes support for strategic statewide planning and the rollout of WIDA Early Years tools and resources.

WIDA Early Years Resources

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WIDA Early Years eLearning

WIDA Early Years eLearning provides free online professional learning courses to early care and education (ECE) professionals in WIDA Early Years member states. These online professional learning resources focus on supporting young multilingual children in ECE settings.

WIDA Early Years eLearning is intended for ECE professionals, including pre-service and in-service teachers, teacher educators, practitioners, coaches, trainers, and leaders/administrators.

View WIDA Early Years eLearning Summaries

Getting WIDA Early Years eLearning Credit

How can I obtain training credit for WIDA Early Years eLearning in Michigan?

Training credit will be offered through MiRegistry. You must have an account in MiRegistry, and you will need to create an account with WIDA Early Years eLearning system using the same first name, last name and email address as is reflected in your MiRegistry account.

The WIDA account manager will upload WIDA Early Years eLearning participant training completion into MiRegistry weekly. Participants will see the completion as "Verified" on their training tab in MiRegistry. Please do not submit a certificate to MiRegistry.

Will I receive a WIDA Early Years eLearning certificate for the course I completed?

Upon completion of the course requirements for each WIDA Early Years self-paced course, you will have the option to download and save or print your certificate of completion for each course you finish. This certificate is for your purposes only. Please do not submit the certificate of completion to MiRegistry.

Who can I contact with questions about training credit from Michigan?

Contact Shanon Everett with questions about your Michigan training credit.