Supporting multilingual children to develop their home language nurtures their identity, confidence and belonging – new research

Today, a pioneering new initiative supporting multilingual children, families, and Early Years educators has officially launched in Limerick. The SMILE Project (Supporting Multilingual and Intercultural Learning in the Early Years) provides practical, research-informed tools for parents and educators to help young children thrive in linguistically diverse settings.

Kerry McCarthy, Doras’ Education Coordinator, said, “SMILE was developed in response to Ireland’s rapidly growing multicultural population, in order to addresses the need for accessible resources that empower families and educators to support children who are growing up with a language other than English or Irish at home.”

Dr Hadjer Hammadi, Doras’ Intercultural Engagement Specialist, said, “The SMILE project was co-created with parents, Early Years educators, and local partners to ensure all materials are practical, culturally responsive, and easy to use in everyday settings. Through a participatory process, the project brought together lived experiences and professional insight to shape meaningful, real-world solutions.”

Dr Aoife Gallagher​, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick, said, “Early Years settings across Ireland are becoming increasingly multilingual, yet many families and educators face challenges, including language barriers, limited access to resources, and persistent myths about multilingualism. SMILE responds directly to these challenges by translating research into clear, accessible supports.”

Mary Cantwell, Education Guidance Counsellor​ at the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), said, “Despite some misconceptions, multiple languages do not confuse children. Research consistently shows that maintaining a child’s home language strengthens emotional well-being, their sense of identity, and even supports learning in English. SMILE equips both families and educators with the tools to turn this knowledge into practice.”

Parents and Early Years educators can find the free resources at www.doras.org/smileproject. They include a practical guide to multilingual development, leaflets for families in multiple languages with supports on language, culture, and learning and resources for educators with clear guidance on supporting multilingual children.

SMILE is a partnership between Doras, the University of Limerick, Limerick & Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick City Partnership. The project is funded by SOLAS under the Adult Literacy for Life strategy.