Early Language Development Standards
A tool to help practitioners support language development in multilingual children
The WIDA Early English Language Development (E-ELD) and Early Spanish Language Development (E-SLD) Standards provide a framework for supporting, instructing and assessing the language development of multilingual children, ages 2.5-5.5 years, in early care and education (ECE) settings.
The E-ELD and E-SLD Standards were created using the same perspectives of language that guided the development of the WIDA standards for Grades K-12. Across the system, language is seen as a tool that helps children play and learn with others, which will help children develop the language needed to engage in learning in K-12 settings.
Early language development standards focus on developmentally appropriate academic, social and instructional language that multilingual children in ECE settings need to engage with peers, practitioners and play-based curriculum.
Using the Standards
The six early language development standards for E-ELD and E-SLD are designed to correspond to the five major dimensions of children’s development and learning, as well as states’ early learning standards.
The E-ELD and E-SLD Standards can be used in a wide range of community- and school-based ECE programs.
- Early English Language Development Standards
- Early Spanish Language Development Standards
- Los Estándares del Desarrollo del Lenguaje Temprano del Español de WIDA
Did You Know?
The WIDA E-ELD Standards correspond to the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. To learn more, explore The Connection – Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five and WIDA Early English Language Development Standard
The Six Standards
- Standard 1 – Language of Social and Emotional Development
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for success in the area of social and emotional development - Standard 2 – Language of Early Language Development and Literacy
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of early language development and literacy - Standard 3 – Language of Mathematics
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of mathematics - Standard 4 – Language of Science
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of science - Standard 5 – Language of Social Studies
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of social studies - Standard 6 – Language of Physical Development
Multilingual children communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of physical development
Resources for Educators and Practitioners
Early Years Membership Benefits
WIDA Early Years membership provides states access to tools, resources, and services designed to support the unique needs of young multilingual children in ECE settings.
Early Years Professional Learning
Discover what professional learning opportunities are available to our ECE practitioners, coaches and program leader partners. We offer online, in-person and blended learning formats.
Can Do Descriptors
The Can Do Descriptors highlight what multilingual children can do at various stages of language development as they engage in ECE contexts.