What Is A Language Immersion Preschool?

A language immersion preschool uses two languages to teach educational lessons and provide instruction on a variety of topics. The first language is the students’ native language plus one additional foreign language that is obtained through the immersion program. Children work towards fluency in the second language through daily conversation, the main teaching method. Language immersion programs offer cultural appreciation and inclusivity lessons through the ideas and concepts of the overall programming.  

What Types of Immersion Programs Are Available? 

There are four types of language immersion programming available. 

1. Full or Total Immersion.  This is the original form of language immersion. Children are provided curriculum in the second language 100% of the time and rarely use their native English vernacular in the classroom setting. Total exposure provides a full experience of speaking a second language. 
2. Partial Immersion.  Partial immersion occurs when 50 percent of the time is spent learning a foreign language, while the remaining time is spent in the native spoken language. In this set up, there are typically two teachers in the classroom, one speaking only English while the other speaks the second language full-time. 
3. Double  Immersion.  With double immersion, the goal is to have the child speaking fluently in both the native language and two other non-native languages.  
4. Two Way or Dual Immersion.  Dual immersion first began in Florida's Dade County with the increase of native Spanish speakers. Traditionally, the native language is English. This program is designed to serve both English and native Spanish-speaking students. All students are learning in the same classroom while being immersed in the various languages. This model allows children to cooperatively learn from each other, succeed academically, and become bilingual. This type of immersion is relatively new and is evolving.  
   
   

Benefits of Language Immersion 

There are numerous benefits for children who learn dual languages at a young age. Most notably, children in a language immersion program show advancement in mathematical and reading concepts, heightened cognitive development and problem solving skills, creativity, and verbal eloquence, according to an ACTFL study. The cognitive advantages allow children to handle conflicting information more positively, improve attention span, and practice better self-control. Children become empowered using a second language while simultaneously appreciating the cultural diversity around them. Thus, they are better prepared when experiencing real life scenarios.  Additionally, according to cognitive neuroscientist Ellen Bialystok, learning a second language can delay the onset of Alzheimers later in life. Her findings are summarized in this New York Times article.  

Steps to Finding a Language Immersion Preschool 

1. Start early.  It is best to begin thinking about immersion preschools about a year prior to when your child is expected to start enrollment. Many sites have waitlists so getting a head start will help when an opening becomes available. Do not hesitate to check back periodically to obtain status updates.  
2. Research.  Locate any language immersion programs close to home or work that may be suitable. Ask other parents and get recommendations from others who have similar interests for their child’s schooling. If your community has school fairs, you may also be able to find information this way.  
3. Schedule a tour.  It is important to visit each school with your child in attendance when deciding the right program for your family. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask so that you have all necessary information to make a decision. Keep in mind which type of language immersion program you seek, whether a full-day or part-day schedule will work best and how many days per week are ideal. Remember to ask if the program is nine or twelve months long and if there is a summer program option.  
4. Look for signs.  When touring, look for signs of a school that is well run and operated. Are the teachers engaged with the children? Do the children appear to be happy and having fun?  How is the classroom structured? Is there family involvement? What are the discipline policies? Be cautious of programs that do not utilize consistent, research-based curriculum. Pay attention to potential red flags such as overcrowding, disorganization and uncleanliness.
5. Ratios.  Be aware of the child to teacher ratio. The NAEYC provides guidelines of appropriate ratios for each age group. 
6. Trends.  Make sure you know which trends are important to you and ask about which ones the school might be offering. Examples could be serving organic snacks and meals or ensuring eco-friendly environments.  

Find a language immersion preschool in your neighborhood by using the tools provided by Winnie, a marketplace for child care.