LENA Grow FAQs for families and teachers

Families are introduced to LENA Grow through the Family Consent form, and teachers learn more about the program through training and resources.

As families and teachers become familiar with LENA Grow, they often have common questions about how the technology works, how data is protected, and how the program supports children's learning and development.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Why is my school or center participating in LENA Grow?
LENA Grow helps improve the quality of our language environment. Children benefit through increased engagement and language development. Teachers benefit by using LENA as a professional observation and training tool.

2. Why should my child participate?
Through increased interaction, children develop better literacy and language skills. LENA Grow can elevate IQ and school readiness.

3. How does LENA technology work?
Each child wears a device that captures interactions. The device can only record audio. It can’t play it back, so no one can listen to conversations. Automated software analyzes the audio and generates data reports. Teachers use these reports to improve interactions with each child.

4. How does LENA keep my child’s data safe?
LENA meets strict confidentiality and data security requirements. After audio is securely uploaded, it is automatically deleted. No one can listen to the recordings, and LENA technology doesn't understand what is being said. Learn more at LENA.org/privacy.

5. Who can see LENA data and what do they do with it?
The only people who can access the data are people who need to see it, like classroom teachers or coaches. The data is only used for teacher development and improving classroom quality. Teachers can also share progress updates so you can see how your child’s classroom interactions change over time.

6. Is LENA safe for my child?
Yes! LENA has been used by thousands of children globally for over 20 years, including in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Unlike cell phones, LENA devices do not transmit signals. They use low-power processors similar to hearing aids.