Empowering young children and their caregivers in STEM learning

INCLUSIVE PREK STEM PLAYGROUPS: EMPOWERING OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS FOR CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE IN STEM LEARNING

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10888592

This study is all about helping young kids, especially those with disabilities and from less advantaged backgrounds, learn and enjoy science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun playgroups, while also supporting their caregivers along the way.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10888592 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project focuses on creating inclusive playgroups that enhance STEM learning for young children, particularly those with disabilities and from underserved communities. By partnering researchers with practitioners, the initiative aims to develop and implement engaging STEM activities that foster confidence and competence in both children and their caregivers. The program will collect data on child-caregiver interactions and the development of foundational STEM skills over a two-year period, comparing outcomes between those who participate in the playgroups and those on a waitlist.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include young children aged 0-5 years, especially those with disabilities or from underserved backgrounds, along with their caregivers.

Not a fit: Children outside the age range of 0-5 years or those not interested in STEM learning may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide young children and their caregivers with improved access to quality STEM education, fostering essential skills for their future.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in similar inclusive educational approaches, indicating the potential for positive outcomes in this initiative.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.