Who We Are

The National ASL and English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing bilingual early childhood education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children across the nation.

Our Mission

To promote, support, and advance ASL and English bilingual early childhood education by connecting educators, families, researchers, and advocates to create the best possible outcomes for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Our Vision

A world where every Deaf and hard-of-hearing child has access to high-quality, ASL and English bilingual early childhood education — and where every educator has the tools, training, and community to deliver it.

Our Core Values

The principles that guide everything we do at NASLECE.

Inclusive Community

We celebrate and embrace the diversity of all families raising bilingual children.

Bilingual Education

We champion ASL and English bilingual approaches as the gold standard for Deaf early learners.

Research-Based

Our work is grounded in the latest research on visual language and bilingual development.

Professional Excellence

We support educators in achieving the highest standards of practice and professional growth.

Collaboration

We build bridges between families, educators, researchers, and advocates nationwide.

Child-Centered

Every decision we make is guided by what's best for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Our Story

NASLECE was founded by a passionate group of educators, researchers, and advocates who recognized a critical gap in early childhood education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Seeing the overwhelming evidence supporting bilingual education, they came together to build a national network.

Over the years, NASLECE has grown into a vibrant consortium that hosts annual ECE Summits, develops instructional materials, and provides professional development opportunities for educators across the country.

Today we continue to champion the right of every Deaf and hard-of-hearing child to a bilingual education — because language is the foundation of everything.