Welcoming a child who does not speak English as their primary language is a wonderful opportunity to diversify your classroom culture. However, it can also be deeply overwhelming for both the child and the lead teacher. When a child cannot express their basic needs, their frustration often manifests as severe behavioral issues.
You cannot simply expect the child to adapt on their own. Your teachers must alter their communication strategies immediately. Start by labeling everything in the classroom in both English and the child's home language. Use highly exaggerated physical gestures and visual cue cards for basic daily routines like eating and using the restroom. Most importantly, encourage the parents to continue speaking their native language at home. A strong foundation in their first language actually accelerates English acquisition rather than slowing it down. When your staff approaches bilingualism as an asset instead of a barrier, the entire classroom community becomes richer for it.