On Friday, April 26, UNITE-LA, in partnership with Early Edge CA and Catalyst CA, brought together a dynamic group of more than 20 individuals from diverse organizations across the state whose focus is to support Dual Language Learners (DLLs), their educators and their families. The group attended a full-day learning experience that included tailored tours to Educare Los Angeles at Long Beach and Webster Elementary School. Here, they observed high-quality programs in various settings, such as dual language immersion classrooms for infants/toddlers, Head Start, California State Preschool Programs and transitional kindergarten classes.

Participants gained insights into the Educare Model and saw it in practice. They also had a lunchtime discussion with Kristina Damon, the principal at Educare, and Martha Alba-Gonzalez, the Long Beach District coordinator from the Dual Language Immersion Department. These discussions provided valuable insights into the program's history and development, the implementation of the Sobrato Early Academic Learning (SEAL) model, program successes and challenges, staff recruitment, retention and training, transition support across programs, and family engagement/support.

The day concluded with a Q&A session with administrators and a thought-provoking discussion with DLL advocacy partners. This enlightening experience not only increased the group’s knowledge but also guided us on how to leverage policy initiatives and collective efforts to continue promoting the growth and success of Dual Language Learners in all settings.