In this session, the relationship between language development and the development of literacy is highlighted. While language development dramatically and positively impacts life outcomes, it is often overlooked. Language as a Missing Link provides a set of freely accessible resources that are designed for individuals, practitioners, and policymakers to integrate and sustain a proactive approach that employs language as a well-being indicator.

This is foundational for learning, literacy, and well-being. Participants will take-away several freely accessible tools for measuring engagement, noticing language indicators of well-being, and providing developmental scaffolding that fuels learning.