October 1, 2022 is the last day to launch a room (by completing the first LENA Day) using the current version of LENA Grow. After this date, all support and materials will reflect the updated version. You will need to purchase or upgrade to the new version to run LENA Grow after October 1st.
LENA Grow is growing!
After three years of gathering data, listening to feedback, and working with awesome partners like you, we are excited to announce that LENA Grow is being updated!
We’re keeping all the things you love — like Talking Tips and the coaching process — while improving our overall program to make your experience with LENA Grow even better.
Some changes you can look forward to in Summer 2022:
- Enhanced focus on educational equity opportunities.
- Simplified implementation process with a more intuitive online experience.
- Expanded resources for preschool classrooms.
Preview some of the exciting new program features — watch Coming Soon to LENA Grow!
We believe greater flexibility is key to making the program easier to implement.
Some of our favorite new features:
Two stackable five-session sequences that can be delivered in a variety of ways:
- Only the first five-week sequence.
- Both sequences back-to-back.
- With a break in between implementing the first and second sequences.
New dashboard with performance metrics for every active group all in one screen! The simplified design no longer requires users to leave a current page to do something else.
Updated teacher, coach, and family engagement materials help support increasing meaningful interactions between teachers and children. New resources focus on classroom equitability, teacher engagement, and intentional early talk practices.
*Spanish versions of materials and reports will be available for future use.
Teacher recruitment materials available for use now!
Introduce educators to the LENA Grow program! Our new teacher recruitment materials explain how LENA Grow works, what it's like to use LENA Grow, and the benefits for classroom communities.
Download a copy of the teacher recruitment flyer or share a link to the new teacher recruitment webpage!
Plan ahead: important dates to know!
Prepare your future classrooms for LENA Grow.
Now
Plan to use your existing classroom materials.
We are offering new materials separately to “update” any of your remaining rooms. There will be a small charge for this. We highly recommend using all your existing room materials prior to August.
If you have questions about your classroom plan, please reach out to your Implementation Specialist.
June
Materials available to ship!
Based on a conversation with your LENA implementation specialist about your individual program needs, updated Room Kits and Coach Kits are available to start shipping in late June (in time for July training!).
July
Training begins!
We are currently adding dates to our training site: learn.lena.org/grow-trainings! We will also notify you by email once registration links are available.
Our online courses and live, interactive training ensure that everyone in your community — new coaches, experienced coaches, center directors, or program managers — is comfortable and proficient with LENA Grow.
Which training is right for you?
New to the LENA Grow program?
Visit here to view online courses and register for LENA Grow Live training.
Experienced LENA Grow coach or program manager?
Visit our ReGrow page to register for training.
August
Your first new LENA groups can begin!
Remember that only one version of LENA Grow can be used at a time! Groups using the current version must be closed out prior to starting groups using the updated version.
October
Last launch of current version!
October 1, 2022 is the last day to launch a room using the current version of LENA Grow. After this date, all support and materials will reflect the updated program version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our goal is to make sure your team feels fully prepared (and excited!) for the upcoming changes to LENA Grow. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your LENA Implementation Specialist if you have any questions on the information below or the specific circumstances for your individual program.
Only one version of LENA Grow can be used at a time! Groups using the current version must be closed out prior to starting groups using the updated version.
You can upgrade any unused rooms (including previous rollovers) to the new version at any time before your next renewal for the cost of materials - $50, plus shipping. Use the upgraded rooms until your next subscription cycle ends in 2023/2024. Program renewals include materials for 10 rooms. Contact your Implementation Specialist for more information.
While we know plans may shift, we encourage you to work with your Implementation Specialist to figure out the number of rooms to purchase that’s right for your program.
Often our partners choose to increase the number of rooms they serve year over year. In order to ensure each of our partners has the most up-to-date materials and support, LENA rooms are good for 365 days once purchased.
Moving forward, rooms will not automatically roll over to future years, and we are happy to talk further about any specific circumstances this may impact.
Yes, current Coach Kits can be upgraded at any time until your next renewal for the cost of materials — $50, plus shipping.
There are a few things you can do to prepare:
- Plan to receive new materials and participate in training this summer (see above for more information on training.)
- Because the new version comes with new and improved materials, try to use any remaining LENA Grow materials this spring and summer.
- Check your email for more information!
You will still have access to all your historical program data — even after using the updated version of LENA Online!
Your LENA Implementation Specialist will work with your team to determine the best time to give you access to the improved LENA Online interface.
Starting in July, training for both experienced and new Grow program managers and coaches will be offered. Please visit learn.lena.org/grow-trainings to see available dates.
We also previewed the changes and new materials at our May Community Conversation. In case you missed it, you can stream the recording. Keep checking your email for new updates and next steps!
Teachers can receive certification for each sequence. After completing the first five-week sequence, teachers are eligible to be certified for LENA Grow 1 Essentials (4.5 PD hours). They can receive a second certification for completing LENA Grow 2 Insights (3.5 PD hours)! The new Teacher Guide helps teachers track their certification progress as they complete each step in the sequence.
We will still be using a small number of instructional videos to explain important concepts like how to complete a LENA Day and how to understand reports.
Based on feedback from partners, we will not be including Talking Tip videos in the new materials. Updated coaching sessions maximize the 30 minutes allotted, spending more time on intentional data reflection, discussion of strategies appropriate to a specific classroom, and goal setting.
If desired, you are welcome to extend your coaching sessions with other video resources like having teachers record their own video clips or using clips that best represent your community and areas of focus.
You bet! Spanish family engagement materials will be available in October, and full program materials will be available in January 2023. Our social media toolkit is also available in Spanish for you to use anytime.