Integrating Early Childhood, Multilingualism, and Special Education in a Teacher Education Program so Educators are Prepared to Serve Children Holistically

Santiago, Chile

TBD

Session Description:

This session explores the integration of early childhood, child development, multilingualism and special education within teacher education programs, emphasizing the need to prepare educators to serve the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of multilingual children. By moving beyond Eurocentric models of curriculum and assessment, the session advocates for a more inclusive, culturally responsive approach that acknowledges the strengths and knowledge systems children bring to the classroom. The session will discuss how decolonized and multilingual pedagogies can transform early childhood education, offering teachers strategies to create equitable, empowering learning environments that honor diverse linguistic and cultural identities.