Exploring Early Childhood Language Environments: A Comparison of Language Exposure, Use and Interaction in the Home and Child Care Settings

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the home and child care language environments of young children (17 to 43 months of age) who are living in poverty. Participants included 38 children along with their primary caregivers and child care providers from 14 different classrooms across 5 child care centers. Each participant completed a standardized language assessment and two day-long recordings using Language ENvironment Analysis (LENA) to determine the number of adult words, conversational turns, and child vocalizations that occurred in the home and during child care. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed significant differences in child language environment between settings with the home setting providing higher levels of language input and use. Results are discussed in terms of early childhood policy and practice for children who are at-risk of having language delays due to environmental factors.