How do hiring practices reflect the diversity of the families served?
Some programs find that they have an “unspoken” language policy without realizing it. By addressing these questions honestly and openly, current policies and practices will be clarified and, where necessary, adapted and modified. Some programs may want to consider including these questions in their program self-assessment. Finally, it is essential that program leaders formulate and articulate a positive vision regarding second language acquisition and home language use. They need to ensure that both parents and staff have the opportunity for questions and input on the language policy. By sharing up-to-date information about best practices, collaboration can be fostered. Implementing the Vision The implementation of the program’s vision is contingent upon a number of factors. First, the program must define the ethnic and linguistic composition of the Head Start population in order to plan appropriate services. Where there are predominately two languages, such as English and Spanish, dua
