The National Association for the Education of Young Children
and Head Start have clearly articulated their position on the provision of high-quality instruction for the 4 million dual language
learners (DLLs) enrolled in early childhood (EC) programs nationwide. Professional development (PD) provides a way for educators to increase their knowledge and skills; however, teacher
practices in the classroom are strongly influenced by implicit beliefs about how children learn. This study examined the influence
of 6 PD sessions related to high-quality instruction for DLLs and
examined other influential factors related to beliefs and practices.
Participants were 98 early childhood educators serving 3- and
4-year-old DLLs in an urban area in the Southwest US. Quantitative findings indicate educators’ beliefs and practices shifted
after PD. Qualitative findings suggest that educators’ empathy, expectations, and external factors also influenced their beliefs and
practices. Implications for PD and program design are discussed.