Early Language Development Standards

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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.

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

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How early language development standards correspond to states’ early learning standards
The Connection Series
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Instructional and program practices for supporting early language development and engaging with families
Get the Focus on Early Years Bulletins
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Key concepts related to the language development of young multilingual children
Guiding Principles of Early English Language Development
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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.
 

Learn About Benefits
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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.

Explore Professional Learning
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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.
 

Get the Descriptors