August 2026

Multilingualism Is an Asset: Why Language Matters for Our Children

Parent Organization Network (PON), joins the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) and many other organizations in opposing the proposed Head Start regulations that would require early childhood programs to provide instruction exclusively in English.

At PON we have spent years working alongside families, educators, and community partners to promote a simple but powerful message: bilingualism and multilingualism are assets. Through our work with parents of English Learners, we have learned that families want their children to become proficient in English while also maintaining the languages that connect them to their families, cultures, and communities.

PON's work with families and the broader body of research on multilingual learners point to the same conclusion: bilingualism is an asset. In our 2023 report, 5 Key Learnings from Working with Parents of English Learners for 3 Years, parents expressed a strong desire for their children to become proficient in English while maintaining their home language. Similarly, bilingual education advocates and researchers have long documented the academic, cognitive, and cultural benefits of multilingualism. Together, these findings affirm that children do not have to choose between learning English and preserving the language that is central to their identity and family connections.

PON believes children should never have to choose between learning English and preserving their home language. Multilingualism strengthens identity, belonging, family connections, and academic growth. As we continue advocating for educational equity, we remain committed to promoting policies and practices that recognize the linguistic and cultural strengths of multilingual children and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

✨ A child's home language is not a barrier to success. It is a strength that enriches families, schools, and communities. At PON, we will continue championing the rights of multilingual learners and the value of bilingualism for generations to come.

🌟 PON Member Spotlight🌟

🎓🎉Congratulations to

Maria Daisy Ortiz and Paul Robak

PON is proud to recognize Maria Daisy Ortiz and Paul Robak for successfully completing 12 units in Child Development through the LAEP/Ready2Teach program.

This accomplishment reflects their commitment to lifelong learning and their dedication to strengthening outcomes for children and families.

By expanding their knowledge and skills in child development, Paul and Daisy are further enhancing their ability to support high-quality educational experiences and advocate for the needs of young children and their families. We celebrate their achievement and look forward to the positive impact their learning will continue to have in our community.

JOIN US IN SAN DIEGO!

This September, PON will be sharing our work with multilingual families at the 2026 Ed Equity Forum. Our session, "Strengthening My English Learner: A Parent's Journey," will explore how parents can become powerful advocates for their children's educational success. We invite educators, community leaders, family engagement practitioners, and parent advocates attending the Forum to join us for this important conversation about educational equity and multilingual learner success.

edtrustwest.info/Agenda-S-2026

👉 WELCOMING A NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER!

PON is excited to welcome Tony Do to our Advisory Board. Tony serves as Foundation Relations Manager at Hope Builders and brings nearly 20 years of experience in grant writing and nonprofit development. His work focuses on expanding educational, workforce, and economic opportunities for young adults. With an impressive academic background and a deep commitment to community impact, Tony's expertise will help strengthen PON's mission of empowering families and advancing educational equity.

📚RESOURCES

Child Care and Early Learning

Opportunities Available

The Training & Research Foundation (TRF) is now accepting applications for children ages 8 weeks to 12 years. Families can access high-quality early learning and child care programs featuring small class sizes, low teacher-to-child ratios, emergent curriculum, developmental assessments, behavioral support for parents, and nutritious meals at no cost. Programs are available at multiple locations in Riverside and Santa Ana. For more information, call (951) 505-6263 or email TRFenrollment@trfcf.org.

Learn More HERE

☕JOIN US FOR "CAFE CON PON UNDERSTANDING A-G REQUIREMENTS"

Navigating the path to college can feel overwhelming, but families don't have to do it alone. PON invites parents and caregivers to join our next Café con PON workshop focused on California's A-G Requirements, the courses students need to complete to be eligible for admission to California's public universities. This interactive session will help families understand what students need from middle school through high school to stay on track for college success. Join us for a morning of learning, conversation, and connection as we explore how small steps today can create big opportunities tomorrow. The workshop will be held on September 9, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. via Zoom. We hope to see you there!

Learn More HERE

Creating Lasting Impact in Our Communities!

As our communities continue to grow and evolve, the Parent Organization Network remains deeply committed to strengthening the role of families as true partners and decision-makers in education. Together, we work to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality, inclusive educational experience that prepares them for success in school and in life.

Your support makes this work possible helping us close opportunity gaps, uplift family voices, and build stronger school communities where every child can thrive.

Donate Today

BECOME A PON MEMBER

For more information, visit our website at www.parentnetwork-la.org

PON is a project of Community Partners