What Is Spanish Language Immersion?

In a Spanish Language immersion program, non-native speakers are taught traditional curriculum — like reading and math — entirely in Spanish. The goal of a Spanish immersion preschool is to promote proficiency in the language while increasing social and cognitive development. In their early years, kids’ brains are primed for language acquisition and growing fast. Spanish immersion in early childhood, like at Casa de Corazón, works by laying a foundation for lifelong bilingualism. This approach also promotes better outcomes in kindergarten, adolescence, and adulthood. 

The Growing Popularity in Spanish Immersion Preschool Programs 

The demand for bilingual education in the United States is growing rapidly. The number of dual-language programs in U.S. public schools increased by 360 percent from 2010 to 2021 with about 80 percent of them focusing on Spanish. “More than half the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual,” says Casa de Corazón Founder and CEO Natalie Standridge. Spanish immersion programs are designed with our increasingly global future in mind. At Casa de Corazón, children are led by a diverse staff representing many different Spanish-speaking cultures from around the world. 

Benefits of Spanish Immersion Programs 

Birth to pre-k is a critical time for development. Becoming bilingual in early childhood means greater second language fluency into adulthood. More than that, bilingual early education helps kids gain empathy, make connections, perform well in school, and feel good about themselves. Children who become bilingual in their early years achieve better literacy skills in both their native and target languages as they grow. Additionally, Cambridge University researchers found bilingualism enhances cognitive development. 

How Does a Spanish Immersion Curriculum Work? 

At Casa de Corazón, we incorporate Spanish into everything we do. Our NAEYC–accredited curriculum focuses on creativity, fine motor skills, cognitive development, and teamwork. With their play-based, experiential curriculum, our teachers prioritize teaching diversity and cultural awareness. Our preschoolers learn entirely in Spanish through stories, music, art, and pre-writing. Additional enrichment activities have a focus on Hispanic cultural traditions which our teachers incorporate meaningfully each day. 

What Age Is Best to Enroll in a Spanish Immersion Program? 

The earlier, the better. Despite popular misconceptions, bilingualism in early childhood benefits many aspects of development. It has a positive impact on cognition and literacy and leads to higher levels of self-confidence and social ease in adolescence. Early childhood education enhances social and emotional development from as early as six weeks old. These benefits are only amplified by early education in a foreign language. Children in bilingual early education programs develop a sense of self-confidence and feel better prepared for kindergarten.  

Is a Spanish Immersion Program Worth it? 

Yes! Spanish immersion in early childhood positively impacts a child’s future. This recent longitudinal study at George Mason University found “astounding” developmental outcomes from early bilingual education. Bilingual children often outperform their monolingual peers in areas such as reading, math, and critical thinking throughout their academic careers. Learning two languages at once strengthens overall learning capacity, preparing them for more advanced studies later in life.

CEO Natalie Standridge designed Casa de Corazón with this early window in mind. Our program fosters language development from the start, equipping children to excel as students and global citizens well beyond preschool.