What is Dual Language Learning?
Dual language learning happens when children learn in two languages at the same time — usually English and another language spoken at home or in the community.
Children learn:
- Reading, writing, and communication skills
- School subjects like math and science
- Cultural understanding and identity
This approach supports children who speak languages other than English and helps close learning gaps.
Why it matters
Dual language learning helps children:
- Build strong skills in both their home language and English
- Feel confident and proud of their identity
- Improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills
- Grow social and emotional skills
- Learn in environments that respect their culture and family
What is the Dual Language Designation?
The Dual Language Designation is part of Washington’s Fair Start for Kids Act. It recognizes early learning programs that support children learning in more than one language.
Programs must be part of:
- Early Achievers
- Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
What does designation mean?
Programs with this designation:
- Support children who are multilingual
- Strengthen and support Tribal language revitalization
- Use practices that meet the needs of multilingual learners
- Partner with families to support home language development
Benefits of the designation
For programs and staff
- Training and coaching in multilingual practices
- Recognition for high-quality multilingual practices
- Access to funding opportunities
For families
- Confidence that their child’s home language is valued
- Stronger communication with staff
- A learning environment that respects culture and identity
Learn more! Watch the Dual Language Impact video: English | Spanish
Funding Opportunities
What is the Dual Language Funding Award?
Some programs with the Dual Language Designation may also receive a funding award. This funding supports multilingual learning and Tribal language revitalization.
Funding is limited and not guaranteed.
Who may qualify?
Programs must be one of the following:
- Licensed, certified, or certified for payment-only providers serving children with child care subsidies (must have received a subsidy payment in the past 12 months); or
- ECEAP programs
Programs must also:
- Earn the Dual Language Designation
- Be at Quality Level 3+ or higher in Early Achievers
How is funding prioritized?
Because funding is limited, priority goes to:
- Tribal language programs (highest priority)
- Communities with limited child care access
- Low-income communities
- Rural communities
- Communities with high poverty or child welfare needs
- Communities with a high percentage of children of color
How much funding is available?
- Up to $2,100 per site for dual language programs
- Up to $2,500 per site for Tribal language revitalization programs
Funding amounts depend on available funds.
How can funding be used?
Funding must support multilingual learning. Examples include:
- Paying bilingual staff
- Training and professional development
- Paid planning time or substitute coverage
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate curriculum
- Classroom materials and learning resources
Important rules
If you receive funding, you must:
- Use funds only for approved purposes
- Keep records and receipts for 7 years
- Provide documentation if requested
You may need to repay funds if records are not available.
Requesting the Designation
Programs can request the Dual Language Designation through the Early Achievers Quality Recognition process in CeCi (Coach and Educator Community Interface).
To qualify, programs must:
- Be an Early Achievers site with a Quality Level 3+ or higher.
- List the program languages in the policy handbook and explain how the program partners with families to meet the needs multilingual learners or describe how Tribal language speakers support language revitalization.
- Have staff member(s) that deliver instruction in English and partner language or is a Tribal language revitalization program.
- Have dual language lead staff and program leaders complete DCYF Dual Language Training (Tribal programs are exempt).
- Submit evidence of meeting Dual Language Program Standards and Best Practices.
Tip: Your program must be in an active recognition cycle to submit the required evidence. Work closely with your coach throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You do not apply separately. If you qualify for the designation, you are automatically considered for funding if it is available.
Funding is awarded once per quality cycle and depends on available funds.
Programs are selected based on priority group and available funding.
No. Funding is not guaranteed and may not be available each cycle.
Email QRIS@dcyf.wa.gov. You can also contact your coach.
You may not receive funding if:
- You did not receive a subsidy payment in the past 12 months
- You do not offer ECEAP services
- Funding was not available or priority was given to other programs
