Last month, UNITE-LA joined the Dual Language Learners (DLL) coalition in a visit to Westminster to observe Spanish dual immersion infant and toddler classrooms, as well as PreK and TK Vietnamese dual immersion classrooms.

This was an exciting opportunity to see first-hand the programs that we are striving towards in our advocacy work for DLL and English Learners (EL). The day included visits to DeMille Elementary for Vietnamese DLL preschool and TK classes, and Land School for Spanish DLL infant and toddler classes. During the visit, practitioners and administrators highlighted concerns, such as the need for additional professional development programs and opportunities, clear credentialing processes and fair compensation, family engagement, and ensuring that young learners continue to strengthen their bilingual skills beyond elementary school.