Early Biliteracy Development
Competency in English is essential for multicultural children to get a good developmental and educational start in the United States. Also important is the ability to maintain their native language. With the Early Biliteracy Development concentration, you can study research-based strategies that help children whose native language is not English to develop a strong literacy base in both English and their home languages. You will have the opportunity to analyze the impact of racial and cultural discrimination on children’s language and intellectual development, as well as explore issues that affect bilingual children who are assimilating in a diverse society.

The curriculum helps you build a solid foundation of knowledge in first and second language acquisition and development and identify the myths associated with second language development. You can also gain insight on how children's sense of identity and self-esteem impact the quality of their learning experiences and future academic success.

This program can help you prepare for careers including:

• Early childhood teacher/assistant
• Director of child development programs
• Family day care provider, infant-toddler child care provider/teacher
• Elementary school pre-teacher trainee
• Preschool and child development center administrator
• Parent educator
• Human services agency representative
• Mental health consultant
• Elementary and secondary school staff member
• Child/youth advocate in social and legal arena