Interventions to support families with young children in linguistically diverse contexts. Design and implementation, using the Isotis virtual learning environment

The ISOTIS project addresses issues arising in culturally and linguistically diverse societies,
which propose challenges for Europe’s education systems. Changes are needed, with
frameworks and approaches that positively address cultural and linguistic diversity, and
professionals with competencies to interact in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual context. For
parent- and family- support systems, approaches are required that respond to the needs of
families who face the task of integrating their heritage culture and language background with the
cultural and linguistic context they are living in. ISOTIS (WP3) collected research evidence and
expert knowledge on the best practices in supporting families of disadvantaged groups, including
those with other cultural and language backgrounds, in providing stimulating home learning
environments. This report brings together the work done to develop and test ICT-facilitated
interventions for parents and professionals working with parents from culturally and linguistically
diverse contexts in four countries in Europe. Across all four contexts, the focus of the interventions
is on families managing and making best use of the several languages and language resources
present in their life in supporting child development and learning.