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Monday, 20 April 2026
A University of Limerick researcher has played a key role in the development of a pioneering new initiative supporting multilingual children, families and early years educators.
The SMILE Project (Supporting Multilingual and Intercultural Learning in the Early Years) provides practical, research-informed tools for parents and educators to help young children who are growing up with a language other than English or Irish at home.
Dr Aoife Gallagher, Associate Professor in the School of Allied Health at UL and a recognised expert in childhood speech, language and communication with specialist knowledge in multilingual language development, was principal investigator on the SMILE Project.
The collaborative project between Doras, UL, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and Limerick City Partnership, responds to the growing linguistic diversity in Ireland and the need for simple, research‑informed tools that help children thrive in linguistically diverse settings.
The free resources were co‑created with multilingual families from migrant backgrounds and early years educators across Limerick and Clare. They have been designed to ensure that all materials are practical, culturally responsive and easy to use every day.
UL’s Dr Aoife Gallagher has worked for many years in the area of migrant health and childhood language development. Speaking at the launch of the SMILE Project in Limerick, she outlined how these resources will support children and families from migrant backgrounds.
She said: “Ireland is increasingly multilingual and multicultural, and this project responds directly to that reality by recognising diversity as a strength. It aims to reduce inequality and ensure that all children are given the best possible start in life.
“These resources support belonging, confidence and participation. They validate children’s home languages and cultures, helping families feel seen and respected rather than expected to assimilate or 'leave language at the door'.”
Dr Gallagher explained the importance of maintaining a child’s home language for strengthening family relationships, as well as cognitive development
She said: “When children are supported to develop their home language, they are not confused or delayed – in fact, they are better equipped to succeed. By maintaining a child’s home language, it provides a secure base for learning additional languages, including English.
“Most importantly, maintaining home language supports a child’s identity and sense of belonging, which are essential for learning and development.”
Dr Gallagher, a research member of both the Health Research Institute and the Participatory Health Research Unit at UL, described how the resources will support educators to create learning environments where all children can thrive.
She said: “For educators, the resources offer practical, accessible guidance on supporting multilingual development in everyday settings. They help educators better understand how multilingual language development works, challenge common myths and build confidence in inclusive, intercultural practice.”
Throughout her research on the project, Dr Gallagher engaged closely with parents and educators to ensure the resources created would meet their needs and make a real difference to the lives of children.
She said: “What stood out most while working on the SMILE Project was the unspoken pressure parents feel to prioritise English at the expense of their home language, often driven by fear that their child might fall behind or not fit in.
“At the same time, educators expressed uncertainty about how best to support multilingual children, despite being highly committed to inclusion.
“There is a real gap between what our policies aim to achieve and what happens in practice. This project addressed the need for clear, evidence‑based messaging and practical tools that reassure both parents and educators that supporting multilingualism is not just about language, its about identity and belonging.”
The SMILE Project recourses can be accessed on the Doras website.
The SMILE Project will be showcased as part of the Inclusive Society, Brighter Futures symposium taking place on 1 May during UL Research Week.