716: Dr. Vilarroel, Dual Language vs. Bilingual Programs: What Parents Need to Know

What if setting your child up for bilingual success didn’t have to be a mystery? In this enlightening episode, hosts Janny Perez and Dr. Villaroel break down what bilingual education programs actually look like, address common parent fears, and share confidence-boosting tips for supporting your child’s Spanish, no matter your own fluency.Whether you’re confused about “dual language” versus “bilingual,” worried your child isn’t learning enough, or looking for home strategies, this episode is packed with actionable guidance, plus inspiring stories and research-backed advice.Show Promos You Don't Want to Miss:REGISTER FOR THE FREE FEBRUARY WORKSHOP: WHY YOUR CHILD ISN'T LEARNING SPANISH AND HOW TO FIX IT IN 2026Timestamps & What You’ll Discover02:42 – The Value of Your Heritage Language Is a Superpower04:16 – Meet Dr. Villaroel: Dual Language Specialist & Advocate08:07 – How Kids Really Learn Languages11:19 – From Teacher to Multilingual Consultant17:11 – Major Misconceptions About Bilingual & Dual Language Education18:52 – What Are the Different Kinds of Bilingual Programs?24:41 – Why Dual Language Is Growing (and Why It Matters!)25:56 – Ways Parents Can Advocate & Support Bilingualism at Home28:34 – Resources for Homeschoolers and Nontraditional Families29:46 – The Biggest Challenges for Parents in Dual Language32:06 – Connect with Dr. VillaroelAbout Dr. VillarroelDr. Breyda Villarroel is a multilingual education leader and advocate with 20+ years in dual language, bilingual, and ESL educationMultilingual Specialist at New Caney ISD (TX) and Senior Educational Consultant supporting districts nationwideVenezuelan-born, fluent in English and Spanish; holds a Doctorate in Business AdministrationFormer Dual Language Coach, Language Acquisition Consultant, and Newcomer Academy Lead TeacherResearcher, author, and speaker focused on equity, biliteracy, and empowering Latino communitiesAbout Janny PerezJanny Perez is a passionate advocate for raising bilingual children and preserving Latino heritage.She is the voice behind "The Latina Mom Legacy" podcast and the bilingual parenting educator behind Confident Bilingual Parenting .She inspires parents with her own journey, moving beyond simply reading or singing to her child in Spanish. Janny knows that true bilingualism requires more than casual exposure, it demands intention, planning, and consistent strategies.Through her story, Janny empowers families to overcome self-doubt and create new traditions grounded in mindful language learning, helping children thrive in both Spanish and their Latino culture.Follow on all social media platforms @milegasi or @thelatinamomlegacyResources & Sources Mentioned in the PodcastFree workshop: Why Your Child Isn’t Learning Spanish & How to Change It (2026)Dr. Villaroel’s Linked InConfident Bilingual Parenting CourseMilegasi Newsletter More free printables + resources at milegasi.comHow You Can Support & EngageApply to Be a Guest – Share your bilingual parenting story!Leave a Review – Apple Podcast or Spotify. Your feedback helps more families discover the show.Join the Newsletter – La Lista at Milegasi.com. Get exclusive tips, printables, and updates!Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Reach an engaged bilingual parenting community. Contact us → Sponsorship infoConnect on Social MediaInstagram: @milegasiThreads: @milegasiPodcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacyPinterest: @milegasi