Improving school readiness for preschool children with sickle cell disease
Official title: School Readiness Intervention for Preschool Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11077813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping preschool kids with sickle cell disease do better in school by using fun and supportive activities that make learning easier and more enjoyable for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $167,146 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL166697-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool children aged 1-5 years who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preschool-aged or do not have a diagnosis of sickle cell disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing behavioral interventions aimed at enhancing neurocognitive and academic outcomes for preschool children diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD). The project will implement strategies to improve adherence to these interventions, addressing barriers that have previously limited their effectiveness. By utilizing a mentorship team with expertise in behavioral clinical trials and intervention development, the research aims to create evidence-based solutions tailored to the unique needs of children with SCD. The ultimate goal is to support these children in achieving better academic performance in critical areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved academic readiness and cognitive functioning for children with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using behavioral interventions to address cognitive deficits in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heitzer, Andrew M — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Heitzer, Andrew M
Related research
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A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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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.