Growing Language Skills with Immigrant and Refugee Families: Spreading and Adapting 2Gen Working Practices

What steps can organizations take to provide accessible and inclusive services to families who speak a language other than English, and how can they support these families in developing their English and home language skills? This brief explores two-generation (2Gen) practices—interventions that work with both parents and children—that aim to overcome language barriers and support language acquisition. Based on survey results, interviews, webinars, and peer advising and learning convenings, this brief highlights two broad strategies: providing culturally responsive and linguistically accessible services, and offering language-learning programs that meet the needs of children and their parents.

This brief is part of a set of four by the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group, Migration Policy Institute, and Higher Heights Consulting that explore 2Gen working practices that serve immigrant and refugee families. The others look at approaches to building trust between service providers and families, serving families with different immigration statuses, and developing cultural competencies.