DUAL IMMERSION | listos-preschool

ABOUT

Listos opened in the fall of 2015 as Rochester's first dual immersion early learning program. We are a local independent, nonprofit program that grew out of a grassroots effort to provide diverse, inclusive, high-quality bilingual education. In Spanish, Listos means both smart and ready. The curriculum and culture at Listos help prepare children for kindergarten and the world.

The program accommodates all children's language abilities. Children with little or no exposure to either Spanish or English outside of the classroom quickly adapt when immersed in the languages. Children at Listos experience art, math, science, music, literacy and movement in both Spanish and English.

The program strives to have a balance of children who speak different languages. That way children learn from their teachers and each other.

Peace United Church of Christ is the the fiscal sponsor for the program. Listos has its own board of directors and has no religious curriculum.

Tax deductible financial contributions help make our high-quality program accessible to all children.

Visit our Donate page for information.

Vision:

To strengthen an interconnected multicultural bilingual community surrounding children that thrives in all aspects of life.

Mission:

Listos is a community partnered organization that provides accessible, equitable, and immersive early childhood education in both English and Spanish. We empower educators, families, and community members to embrace cultural differences and build connections that inspire lifelong knowledge, skills and relationships.

2025-2026 calendar

Family Handbook

Committment to equity

Why Bilingual education?

• Dual immersion teaches a second language the same way children learned their first language, naturally. Preschool age children are in the prime language learning years of their lives. Brain research shows the majority of language learning happens from birth to age five. By providing an engaging, safe environment, children at Listos absorb two languages.

• Children who are either native Spanish speakers or native English speakers have their primary language supported and reinforced while learning a second language.

• Classroom makeup is based on a balanced ratio of students’ primary languages. This allows children to form friendships and practice language with each other.

• Early language learning has positive effects on brain structure, builds a desire to learn well past preschool age, fulfills and increases curiosity about the world and builds confidence in language abilities.

• Knowing more than one language sets children on a path to greater success in a global society.

The Listos board meets 9 times per year to help set tuition rates, review the budget, set the strategic goals and plan special events. No board experience is required. It's a wonderful way to increase your leadership skills while making a true difference in our program and the community.

We'd love to have more representation on our board. To apply, fill out this online application:

https://forms.gle/JC6sMaPzUz9BSq4x7