Promoting Effective Engagement, Communication, and Self-regulation with English language learners (PEECSE)

Project Details

Project Context:
The risks associated with living in poverty are compounded by the need to learn a second language and the stressful life circumstances facing many children attending Head Start programs. It is critical that all children are able to engage in activities as soon as they enter the classroom, that their communication skills are facilitated as they interact with their peers and teachers, and that support is provided to help them self-regulate both their emotions and their attention. These skills so necessary for academic success are often difficult to develop.

Project Focus:
The Promoting Effective Engagement, Communication, and Self-regulation with English language learners (PEECSE) project, a project funded by the Office of Head Start through the Administration for Children and Families, will support the teachers and children in the Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership (OWCAP) Head Start in Ogden, Utah. The PEECSE approach will build teacher skills that will promote future academic success in their children.

Project Products/Services:
PEECSE will support the OWCAP Head Start by accomplishing the following objectives:
1. OWCAP Head Start will have the curricula, resources, knowledge, and support through the PEECSE approach to effectively promote all children's engagement, communication, and self-regulation.
2. PEECSE will especially focus their efforts on children who are English Language Learners.
3. OWCAP teachers and classroom volunteers will use effective strategies to engage all children in classroom activities, promote their communication, and guide their self-regulation skills.
4. Children attending OWCAP Head Start will demonstrate improved and/or age-appropriate communication and self-regulation skills and decreased and/or absent internalizing and externalizing behaviors.

By the end of the grant period, the PEECSE approach products will be fully developed, evaluated, and ready for dissemination.