What Teachers Can Do to Promote Preschoolers' Vocabulary Development: Strategies From an Effective Language and Literacy Professional Development Coaching Model

Language and, specifically, vocabulary development plays a critical role in early literacy development. This article describes Exceptional Coaching for Early Language and Literacy (ExCELL), which is a research-based, effective preschool program that focuses on developing Head Start enrollees language and preliteracy skills. The ExCELL program employs an intensive coaching model to train teachers in implementing effective strategies that support the development of language and preliteracy skills. The teacher professional development is described, including the specific routines and strategies that coaches can scaffold teachers to use. A brief summary of the findings are presented, indicating the positive teacher and student outcomes as a result of the professional development intervention. If implemented with fidelity, the strategies described can provide opportunities for Head Start preschool attendees to learn vocabulary words that will eventually impact their ability to learn to read. © 2010 International Reading Association, Inc.