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Frequently asked questions
Shemethia Armston
Family & Group Child Care Coordinator
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Family & Group Child Care Statewide Conference
Building Stronger Language Environments
Through Everyday Conversations
Every Conversation Matters.
Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral uses LENA Grow™ to help child care professionals strengthen the interactions that support children's communication, language development, and learning. Through coaching, professional development, and data-informed reflection, LENA Grow™ helps programs create language-rich environments where children can thrive.
Whether you're exploring LENA Grow™ for the first time or interested in participating, CCR&R is here to help you learn more, connect with support, and discover how meaningful conversations can make a lasting impact.
What Is LENA Grow™?
LENA Grow™ is a research-based coaching and professional development program that helps child care professionals strengthen the quality and quantity of conversations children experience throughout the day.
Using a small wearable device, LENA Grow™ collects language data during a child's typical day. This information is then used to help child care professionals reflect on interactions, identify opportunities for growth, and implement practical strategies that support children's communication and learning.
LENA Grow™ is not an evaluation tool. Instead, it provides valuable insights that help child care professionals build stronger language environments and increase meaningful interactions with children.
LENA Grow™ Helps Child Care Professionals:
• Increase meaningful adult-child conversations
• Create language-rich learning environments
• Strengthen responsive interactions during routines
• Support children's language development
• Use data to guide reflection/continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to enhance interactions
• Build practical strategies that can be implemented immediately
How LENA Grow™ Works
1. Collect Data
Children wear a small LENA device during their typical daily activities. The device captures language data that helps identify patterns in communication and interactions throughout the day.
2. Review Reports
LENA Grow transforms the collected data into easy-to-understand reports that provide insights into conversational interactions and language-rich opportunities.
3. Partner with a CCR&R Coach
CCR&R coaches help child care professionals understand the data, reflect on current practices, and identify opportunities for growth.
4. Put Strategies into Practice
Using coaching support and data-informed insights, child care professionals implement practical strategies that strengthen interactions and create richer language environments for children.
Why Early Talk Matters
The first five years of life are a critical period for brain development. During this time, children learn through relationships, experiences, and conversations with trusted adults.
Research shows that meaningful interactions help children:
• Build vocabulary and communication skills
• Develop strong early literacy foundations
• Strengthen social-emotional development
• Form positive relationships with caregivers
• Increase confidence as communicators and learners
• Build skills that support future academic success
The conversations that happen during play, mealtimes, caregiving routines, transitions, and everyday interactions all contribute to a child's growth and development.
How CCR&R Uses LENA Grow
CCR&R incorporates LENA Grow into coaching and professional development services to help child care professionals strengthen language-rich environments and improve interactions with children.
Through individualized coaching and support, CCR&R helps participants:
Reflect on Current Practices
• Review language data and reports
• Identify strengths and opportunities for growth
• Better understand conversational patterns throughout the day
Implement Practical Strategies
• Increase conversational turns
• Encourage meaningful back-and-forth interactions
• Embed language-building opportunities into routines and activities
• Foster responsive and engaging communication
Support Continuous Improvement
• Set achievable goals
• Monitor progress over time
• Celebrate successes and growth
• Build sustainable practices that support children's learning
CCR&R coaches work alongside participants to translate data into practical, achievable strategies that can be used in classrooms, family child care homes, and other early childhood settings.