Lake County Gazette

Preschool students at the Early Learning Center at F.M. Day are participating in a Spanish immersion program aimed at introducing them to a second language during their formative years. The program is designed to help toddlers and preschoolers build a Spanish vocabulary through regular lessons.

“We offer a Spanish immersion program where students from toddler through preschool come on a regular basis to build a Spanish vocabulary,” said F.M. Day Director and Administrator, Ilana Conti. “There’s more neuroplasticity at this age. Starting them with Spanish early helps build the foundation so it’s easier for them to learn as they grow.”

Spanish teacher Karen Zamarripa Mendoza uses songs, visuals, and circle-time activities to engage the children in learning the language. “We do songs about the weather, colors, and numbers. I like to make it fun so they can engage,” she explained. “Even if it’s just five minutes a day, they pick it up. As they get older, they remember what I taught them as toddlers, it’s beautiful to see.”

Parents have noticed changes in their children as well. “She’s definitely speaking more Spanish words now,” said parent Amy Winick. “Sometimes she’ll just randomly say things like ‘mocos.’ When we read Spanish books together, she gets so excited about pronouncing all the words.”

The timing of this program aligns with Hispanic Heritage Month, which highlights Hispanic and Latino cultural contributions across communities. Conti noted the relevance for local families: “Here in Westminster, we have a significant Hispanic population,” she said. “By introducing our little ones to Spanish, we’re building connections within our community.”

Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 serves Lake County and includes several schools such as Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School and Waukegan High School among others (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district has a student population that is nearly 80 percent Hispanic (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/), reflecting the importance of bilingual education programs for its diverse community.