Our education system needs to pay attention to these important changes in
the workforce, and among the diverse young children. The children are
often newcomer children. They learned a language different than English and
they may speak that language very well. At their young age, they will learn
English more easily now than later, especially if they are in a group of young children. Their brains are programed to learn any language. But the transition from the easy use of their own language to easy use of English may be difficult for them, and teachers may see them withdraw from circle time and talk to the dog, or express anger or other feelings. As we think about quality in our education systems, we should develop more bilingual teachers who can communicate with parents and children more easily, and who can read these children’s behavior and understand their feelings.

These children are our future.