Helping caregivers support language development in young children in Puerto Rico.
Official title: Caregiver-Implemented Early Language Interventions in Puerto Rico: A Mixed-Methods Examination of Provider and Caregiver Practices and Perspectives to Develop Culturally Responsive Interventions.
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11163645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping kids in Puerto Rico, ages 0-11, improve their language skills by teaching their caregivers some helpful ways to communicate better, especially for families with children who have language delays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2025 |
| Project end | January 19, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC022501-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years in Puerto Rico who are at risk for language delays and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not have language delays or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving language skills in children aged 0-11 years by training caregivers in Puerto Rico to use effective language facilitation strategies. It aims to understand current practices among speech-language providers and how caregivers interact with children who have language delays. By gathering insights through interviews and observations, the study seeks to develop culturally responsive interventions that are tailored to the needs of Latine families. The ultimate goal is to enhance communication development in young children through caregiver involvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved language skills and better academic and social outcomes for children at risk of language impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in caregiver-implemented interventions for language development, but this study aims to adapt these approaches specifically for Latine families, making it a culturally responsive effort.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez Gonzalez, Ada Cristina — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Lopez Gonzalez, Ada Cristina
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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.