Improving literacy skills in children with language disorders through caregiver-led reading

Promoting Caregiver Implementation of an Effective Early Learning Intervention: Sit Together and Read (STAR)

Not applicable Interventional Ohio State University · NCT06275815

This study is testing a reading program for kids aged 4 to 5 with language disorders to see if having their caregivers read with them can help improve their literacy skills.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment320 (estimated)
Ages48 Months to 71 Months
SexAll
SponsorOhio State University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06275815 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of a caregiver-implemented shared reading program called Sit Together and Read (STAR) for children aged 4 to 5 with developmental language disorders. Caregivers will be randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three STAR groups, with some receiving monetary rewards or encouraging texts to enhance their participation. The children's literacy skills will be assessed before, immediately after, and every six months for two years following the intervention to evaluate both short-term and long-term impacts. The study aims to determine how caregiver support influences the implementation of STAR and its effectiveness in improving children's reading outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 5 who are receiving or are on a waitlist for speech services and have a primary complaint of impaired language skills.

Not a fit: Patients with additional diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, or severe intellectual disability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance literacy skills in young children with developmental language disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with caregiver-led interventions for literacy, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* receiving or on waitlist for speech services
* primary complaint of impaired language skills
* receptive, expressive, or mixed language disorder
* primarily communicates in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No known additional diagnoses causal of developmental language disorder including

   1. autism spectrum disorder
   2. hearing loss
   3. severe intellectual disability
2. Is not attending or has completed Kindergarten

Where this trial is running

Columbus, Ohio and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Developmental Language DisorderReadingDifficultRandomized Control TrialPrint KnowledgeReading Outcomesliteracybehavior-change strategies
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.