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 Standards
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


