Workforce Language Services

Many parents ask the question, “how do I get my child to speak another language.” There is a movement to move towards bilingual education, particularly in preschool. Young children learn many language skills in preschool that help them both right away and in the future. For those who are primary Spanish speakers, preschool can offer an important bridge to learning English and for primary English speakers, exposure to Spanish at that age is really the optimal time to begin learning a second language - the earlier a child begins learning a language, the easier it is.

An early learning program in Georgetown is highlighted and discusses the importance and challenges of offering early childhood bilingual education. Read more.

“Quieres más? Do you need more?” instructor Camen Bisso asked him in both Spanish and English. “OK, what do you say? Como se dice ‘por favor?’ “

“Please!” Nyko responded, the English word easily rolling off his tongue. Nyko speaks mostly Spanish at home. But in the past two weeks, his English, and his confidence in speaking it, have grown exponentially.

At the new First Steps Primeros Pasos early learning center in Georgetown, lessons are repeated in English and Spanish. Signs and posters around the classroom are bilingual, and two of the three instructors are native Spanish speakers.

“We deal with integration here,” said Executive Director Lynne Maloy. “We’re teachingour Spanish speakers English and our English speakers get to learn Spanish. We want everyone to have an equal chance to succeed, because education is the name of the game.”