Translation & Interpretation Information

CCSD's Office of Translation and Interpretation

The Office of Translation & Interpretation provides language support to assist in the communication of academic information between schools and parents to increase engagement in school activities and district-wide functions. This full range of language services are designed to help in CCSD's mission of providing a comprehensive educational experience to prepare our students for college, career, and life. 

We offer a variety of translation & interpretation services that ensure meaningful language access for students and parents so they may have an active role in the student’s education. 

For support with meetings related to IEPs and 504s, please contact the Department of Exceptional Children at (843) 937-6500. 

Their Services

• Interpretation (Oral): For district-wide and school-wide functions, we offer oral consecutive or simultaneous interpretation services into Spanish with the ability to provide services into other languages for district-wide events.

• Translation (Written): We offer translation services of a wide variety of documents into Spanish through our in-house staff. Translations are also available. Documents submitted for translation will be processed in the order received and the typical turn-around time is within 20 days although this may vary due to availability, the complexity of the document, and length.

• Over-the-phone Interpretation (OPI): OPI services are available in more than 240 languages through an over-the-phone interpreting service for simple matters not requiring an in-person interpreter. The service is available to anyone with CCSD credentials. Please contact our office at languagerequests@charleston.k12.sc.us for important information about this service.

Contact Us

If you have any questions you may also contact their office at: 

Office of Translation & Interpretation

Department of Communication & Community Engagement

Email: languagerequests@charleston.k12.sc.us 

843-937-6359

Translation & Interpretation Resources Flowchart

Communicating with ML Families

Charleston County School District is committed to providing all parents/guardians of our Multilingual Learners access to school-related essential information free of charge in a language that they can understand. It is the district's responsibility to effectively communicate with multilingual families, who may require translation or interpretation services. 

Each school has an appointed Language Access Liaison that is responsible for ensuring multilingual families have access to the language services they require. The Language Access Liaison is also responsible for connecting and training their school staff on how to access and utilize the various interpretation and translation services available at their school.

Translation and Interpretation Resources for Staff

The Office of Translation and Interpretation created a resource flowchart for CCSD staff members to be aware of which resources are available to them for the various scenarios in which interpretation and translation services may be required. Please reference this chart when making decisions about how best to meet the needs of your school’s multilingual families. 

FAQs

What type of information must be translated or interpreted for multilingual parents and guardians?

• Registration and enrollment in school and school programs/choice options

• Grievance procedures and notices of nondiscrimination

• Language assistance programs (ML Program)

• Parent handbooks

• Report cards and academic progress notifications

• Gifted and talented programs

• Student discipline policies, procedures, and notices

• Parent-teacher conferences

• Open houses and school performances

• Special education and related services, and meetings to discuss special education

• Parent consent forms and requests for parent permission for student participation in school activities

• Public health and safety

• Individual Graduation Plan

• Benefits and services (e.g., vaccination requirements, free-and-reduced-priced lunch, access to student records, graduation requirements, and post-secondary readiness and financial aid information)

How do educators determine the language needs of parents and guardians?

It is mandatory for all CCSD employees to review a parent/guardian's language access needs BEFORE scheduling meetings with parents/guardians and sending out notices. This information is found on the student’s Home Language Survey in the permanent record. This is a mandatory registration document in the State of South Carolina. The information from the Home Language Survey is listed in Powerschool and Enrich.

How can school-based staff request interpretation and translation services?

All school-based staff should ensure that school-related essential information is communicated in a language that parents can understand. Requests for interpretation or translation services can be made through the school-based Language Access Liaison at which time he/she will enter a language request into the CCSD’s Language Access Portal in Data Central. 

Tips and Reminders for Language Requests

• Always enter the requested language needed for translation and interpretation services.

• The specific date a service is needed is required for all requests.

• Submit requests for services at least 20 days prior to the date needed.

• Documents submitted for translation should be in an editable format when possible (not PDF or scanned documents). Ensure you grant rights for access with shared Google documents.

• Turn-around times may vary based on the complexity and length of a document.

• Always email or call when you have a question or concern.

We have bilingual staff at our school. Are they allowed to interpret for families?

We should always make every effort to utilize certified bilingual staff.  If there is an immediate and critical  need, then please use your available bilingual staff to interpret. This meeting should be followed up by a certified bilingual individual to ensure accuracy and that the correct message was received.  Whenever possible schedule meetings that require an interpreter well in advance with the Office of Translation & Interpretation Services. Another option would be to use LanguageLine in the event your bilingual staff are not available.

Can families use/bring their own interpreters?

Yes, families may use their own interpreter if desired. However, certified interpreters must follow up with the family to ensure that the family fully understands the information from the meeting and answer any questions they may have. Please note that students should never be used as an interpreter.