From awareness to action: Caregivers’ roles in multilingual learners’ literacy development

This design-based research study, grounded in the theoretical framework of dual capacity building, explored the impact of a literacy course on multilingual learners’ caregivers, focusing on their knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting their children’s literacy development. Findings revealed a collaborative process between caregivers and researchers, where caregivers contributed insights into their learning needs and influenced the course’s development and implementation. At the end of the course, caregivers’ average self-efficacy score showed a statistically significant 21% increase, while their knowledge ratings increased by 15%. Beyond academic support, the course significantly increased caregivers’ confidence in navigating school systems, understanding school procedures, and advocating for their children. The article closes with implications for designing effective caregiver initiatives that consider the demographics, linguistic backgrounds, and cultural complexity of multilingual learners’ caregivers and their engagement in promoting literacy at home.