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DCYF presenter outlines dual language designation, funding and July 2026 timeline
Summary
A DCYF presenter said the dual language designation (launched 2023) will be integrated into Early Achievers starting July 2026, requires quality level 3+, two video highlights, family-engagement evidence, and offers per-site awards of $2,100 for dual language programs and $2,500 for tribal language revitalization sites.
A presenter from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) said on the webinar that the state's dual language designation will be incorporated into the Early Achievers quality'recognition process and begin in July 2026, with designations valid for three years.
The presenter said the designation, launched in 2023 under the Fair Start for Kids Act, recognizes programs that support multilingual children and tribal language revitalization and is intended to streamline recognition so programs do not have to submit duplicate information. "There are no extra steps," the presenter said.
Under the requirements described, programs must be active Early Achievers sites with a finalized quality level of 3 plus or higher, list program languages in the policy handbook, describe how they partner with families or identify a tribal language speaker for revitalization programs, and have staff who deliver instruction in English and the partner language. Program leaders and designated staff must complete DCYF's dual language training, and programs must submit evidence showing they meet dual language standards as part of their quality recognition work.
DCYF said three main components will be required for designation: completing the existing program profile; submitting two classroom video highlights (one in English and one in the partner language), each 10 to 15 minutes long and showing teachers and children interacting in that language; and meeting family'support standards tied to standards 1, 2 and 3. For programs participating in the Lovett Way approach, the presenter described a different path that continues an in'person Lovett Way assessment plus a classroom action plan and a family engagement action plan instead of the program profile and videos.
The presenter announced funding tied to the designation: "Dual language programs may receive $2,100 per site," and "Tribal language revitalization programs may receive $2,500 per site." Funding will be accessed directly through the regular Early Achievers quality'recognition cycle beginning July 1, with no separate application. Awards are available to Early Achievers programs that serve children receiving subsidy; to be eligible for the site award, a program must have claimed a subsidy payment within 12 months of the award date (for example, a designation finalized on 08/15/2026 would require a subsidy claim between 08/15/2025 and 08/15/2026). Site'level awards will be distributed once per cycle while funding permits.
The presenter said DCYF has received designation requests from over 1,400 programs to date. DCYF staff also said it is developing additional components to align with remaining Early Achievers elements and will share timelines and next steps as they are ready. The presenter encouraged providers to work with their Early Achievers coach for technical assistance, use the CC system to submit and track components, and consult the DCYF website for official guidance and updates.
The webinar closed with the presenter thanking participants and offering an email contact shown on the webinar slide for follow'up assistance.
