Exploring how early language experiences affect children's brain development and learning.
Official title: Administrative Supplement for Continuity of Biomedical and Behavioral Research Among First-Time Recipients of NIH Research Project Grant Awards
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11082861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the language kids hear when they're young affects their thinking and talking skills, especially considering how their family's money situation might play a role, and it aims to find ways to help all children do better in school.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $97,594 |
| NIH project number | 3R00HD103873-04S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are preschool-aged children between 3 to 5 years old, particularly those from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range of 3 to 5 years or those not exposed to diverse language environments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of children's early language input on their cognitive and linguistic development, particularly focusing on how socioeconomic status influences these outcomes. By examining the environmental and neurodevelopmental mechanisms involved, the study aims to identify effective interventions to close achievement gaps in children. It employs a combination of real-world auditory language exposure assessments and advanced brain imaging techniques to understand how different aspects of language experience shape brain development and school readiness skills in preschool-aged children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve language skills and cognitive development in children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between early language exposure and cognitive development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romeo, Rachel Rene — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Romeo, Rachel Rene
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.