Advancing Language Access in Nevada: Empowering Families and Educators in Early Childhood Language Policy

2/23/25

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Public Policy Forum, Washington D.C.

Session Description:

This forum will explore the critical issue of language equity in early childhood education, focusing on both the "spoken" and "unspoken" language policies that affect young children and their families, early childhood educators, and the early childhood system. Key discussions will address how parent advocacy can influence language policy and bring lived experiences through linguistically diverse voices to the decision-making process. The forum will also feature the Nevada Early Childhood Language Access Plan, emphasizing the need for comprehensive technical assistance to ensure equitable language services. Finally, we will discuss updates to the Nevada Birth through Grade 12 Family Engagement Framework and Toolkit, highlighting the importance of family voice, interpretation services, and multilingual participation.

Session Resources:

Active Presentation with Engagement Opportunities After Our Session!

Mentimeter Presentation Results

Download our Slide Deck

Family Interview with Angela & Luis - YouTube Playlist

Meet the Presenters:

Rachel Stepina rachel.stepina@doe.nv.gov

Kate Pflughoeft kate.pflughoeft@doe.nv.gov

Nayesdi Badillo-Delgado nayesdi.badillo@doe.nv.gov