Welcoming Young Multilingual Students: Practical Strategies for Building Belonging in the Early Years Classroom

Presented by Alexandra Gustad, M.Ed

1 HOUR | SELF-PACED | NON-INTERACTIVE | RECORDED JUNE 2026

Young multilingual learners thrive when they feel they truly belong. Yet, sometimes they feel unwelcome and out of place. The transition to a school in which the student does not have proficient fluency in the target language can be socially and emotionally challenging. This webinar explores the powerful connection between belonging, identity, and language development—and equips educators, caregivers, clinicians, and families with practical strategies to create welcoming environments where every child can flourish. Grounded in social and emotional growth and current research on multilingual development, we'll introduce a practical framework for thinking about belonging through two lenses: the explicit moves we make and the implicit messages we send about what matters in our communities. From pronouncing names correctly to implementing translanguaging strategies, from conducting language history interviews to creating culturally responsive spaces, participants will leave with actionable tools they can implement immediately. Whether you work in a classroom, clinic, or home setting, you'll discover how honoring children's languages and cultures creates the foundation for confident, engaged learners

Teachers, therapists, social workers, and other early childhood professionals working with young children will benefit from this webinar.

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DISCLOSURES [ALEXANDRA GUSTAD]

Financial Disclosures – ALEXANDRA GUSTAD has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Nonfinancial Disclosures - ALEXANDRA GUSTAD has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.

PURCHASE RECORDED WEBINAR ($19)

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Objectives

1. Distinguish between explicit moves and implicit messages when fostering belonging, and why both matter for multilingual children and families.

2. Identify asset-based strategies that honor children's linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

3. Recognize inclusive learning environments that reflect students' home languages, cultures, and identities.

4. Explain the connection between belonging and language development in young multilingual learners

Agenda

1. Introduction

2. The Connection Between Belonging, Identity, and Language Development

3. Creating Inclusive Environments

4. Asset-Based Strategies to Honor Language and Culture

5. Building Inclusive Learning Environments Across Settings

6. Conclusion

DURATION: 1 HOUR, 10 MINUTES

This Webinar Offers The Following CE Certificate/Credits

You will select your Certificate or Credit Type after you complete the evaluation form within the course page. At the end of the form, you’ll be prompted to choose the Certificate/Credit Type you wish to receive.

1.0 CTLE CONTACT HOURS

New York State Education Department, Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE)

Provider Code #23394

Approval Period: 3/29/22 - 3/29/2027

Young Child Learning is recognized by the New York State Education Department's Office of Teaching Initiatives as an approved sponsor of CTLE for Professional Classroom Teachers, School Leaders and Level III Teaching Assistants.

1.0 NYSED SW CONTACT HOURS

New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work (NYSED SW)

Provider Code #0365

Approval Period: 8/31/25 - 8/31/28

Young Child Learning is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers. Young Child Learning maintains responsibility for the program. Social work professionals should contact their regulatory board to confirm course approval for continuing education credits.

1.0 NASP CE CREDITS

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Provider Code #1111

Approval Period: 4/1/25 - 4/1/28

This workshop provides NASP CPD credit for school psychologists. Young Child Learning is approved by NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) to offer continuing education for school psychologists. Young Child Learning maintains responsibility for the program. Contact Young Child Learning with any questions or concerns at (212) 787-9700 ext. 3330 or via email at [email protected].

This program is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUS (Introductory Level)

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

ASHA Certification Maintenance Standards require that all certificate holders (CCC-A and CCC-SLP) must accumulate 30 Certificate Maintenance Hours (CMHs) of professional development during each 3-year certification maintenance interval in order to maintain their ASHA Certificates of Clinical Competence (CCC).

PURCHASE RECORDED WEBINAR ($19)

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How to obtain your certificate:

You MUST watch all the video lessons. Afterwards, you will automatically be given access to the post-test and the evaluation form.
You MUST pass the post-test (75% passing grade). You are able to take the test multiple times until you pass.
You MUST answer and submit the evaluation form.

You will receive your certificate within 48 hours after fulfilling the above requirements via email.

For ASHA, your CE Credits will be reflected on your CE Registry account within 45 days after you fulfill the above requirements, and after we send your registration info to their team.

Speaker's Biography

Alex is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience in international schools and currently serves as EAL Coordinator at the American School of Bombay. She is deeply committed to inclusive, identity-affirming education and advocates for multilingualism as an asset and a pathway to equity in teaching and learning. Alex coaches teachers to design responsive, humanizing learning environments that honor students’ linguistic and cultural identities while expanding access and opportunity for all learners. She has been published in multiple books and academic articles, contributing to the field of inclusive education. Alex also leads workshops for educators around the world, with a particular focus on language development in the early years and effective, research-informed practices for supporting multilingual learners.

Host's Biography

Dr. Scott Mesh is the Director of Young Child Learning and the CEO and Co-Founder of Los Niños Services which serves 2,000 young children with special needs each year through homecare and center services. He is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with young children and their families and is an expert on assessing young children for developmental disabilities and autism. He has helped thousands of parents over the years make the transition to gaining help for their children through early childhood special education services. He is a leader in early childhood development and working effectively with parents.

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