Understanding how caregivers can support Spanish language development in young bilingual children at risk for language disorders
Official title: Identifying Caregiver Behaviors that Promote Spanish Development in Preschool-aged Emergent Bilinguals at Risk for Developmental Language Disorder
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10914800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Spanish-speaking caregivers can help their preschool-aged children, who are learning both Spanish and English and may have language challenges, by using specific strategies at home to boost their language skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,680 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DC021040-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) who are emergent bilinguals and have Spanish-speaking caregivers, particularly those at risk for developmental language disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not emergent bilinguals or who do not have Spanish-speaking caregivers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behaviors of Spanish-speaking caregivers that can help promote language development in preschool-aged children who are emergent bilinguals and at risk for developmental language disorder. The study focuses on identifying effective caregiver strategies that can be used at home to support children's proficiency in their home language, especially as they begin to encounter more English in school. By analyzing data from previous clinical trials, the research aims to uncover specific practices that can enhance language skills in these vulnerable children. The findings could lead to practical interventions that caregivers can implement to foster better language outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide caregivers with effective strategies to enhance their children's Spanish language development, leading to improved communication skills and educational outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that caregiver-delivered interventions can be effective in supporting language development in bilingual children, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surrain, Sarah — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Surrain, Sarah
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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.