Special Populations Collaborative

Effective Practices for Limited English Proficient Students

Santa Barbara City College Evening Summer School Intensive Program

Evening Summer School Intensive Program for Limited English Proficient Early Childhood Education Students

College: Santa Barbara City College

Contact: Julie Smith, Co-chair, Early Childhood Education Department

721 Cliff Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93109

805 965 0581 x 2859 smithj@sbcc.edu

Description: This is a unique opportunity for entry-level Limited English Proficient students interested in Early Childhood Education to enroll in ECE courses and increase their knowledge and understanding of young children and their families. The course is entitled "ECE 120, Child Growth and Development for Early Childhood Educators." It takes place over three weeks in the summer. It is an intensive three-unit course offered on campus, four days a week for four hours in the evening from 5:30 to 9:30. Course topics include: Developmental Stages of Young Children, Observation Skills, and Cultural, Gender, Class, and Racial Influences This course is taught in English, but is designed to provide a format for students to process the information learned in English using their first language. A bilingual tutor/aide, working with the course instructor, is available to students while they are participating in activities and during review time. This allows them to confirm and repeat back the issues covered in the class using their first language. This support helps make sure class content is not missed or misunderstood due to limited language skills and builds student confidence and comprehension.

Feedback from students has been very positive and many have continued their enrollment in Early Childhood Education courses.