Preschool speech and early literacy support with AI-powered classroom and home game
Official title: Development of preschool speech-to-print curricula with online gaming technology for early language development.
Funded at Finnegan the Dragon, INC · NIH-11405682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new program helps 2–6 year-olds improve speech and early reading by connecting classroom teaching with an interactive AI-powered home game.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Finnegan the Dragon, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hillsboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,586,983 |
| NIH project number | 2R44HD115460-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children aged 2–6 years who are participating in preschool or early elementary settings, and their teachers and families.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the 2–6 age range or without access to a supported classroom/home setup may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
This project creates a blended learning platform for young children that combines teacher-led curricula with a kid-friendly mobile game. It focuses on speech sounds, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early literacy milestones, linking classroom activities with home practice. An AI engine will tailor real-time progress monitoring and personalized plans for each child based on teacher assessments and gameplay responses. The approach aims to offer accessible, engaging instruction that supports families and educators outside the classroom.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could boost early language skills and literacy for many children, with real-time guidance for teachers and families.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier phases showed good usability and early literacy gains, suggesting promise for broader impact with the AI enhancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Finnegan the Dragon, INC
Hillsboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cadiz, Emily John — Finnegan the Dragon, INC
- Study coordinator: Cadiz, Emily John
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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.