PreK STEM Playgroups: Empowering our Youngest Learners and their Caregivers for Confidence and Competence in STEM Learning

Summary

This project aims to develop and implement PreK STEM playgroups for young children (with and without disabilities) and their caregivers, fostering STEM learning and caregiver self-efficacy through a research-practitioner partnership.

What they want

The project establishes a science education partnership (SEP) between researchers and practitioners in an informal learning space to co-develop and implement STEM playgroups. Researchers will assist the practitioner team in collecting and analyzing preliminary efficacy data on child-caregiver engagement, child STEM play skills, and caregiver self-efficacy, particularly regarding embedding computational thinking into daily routines. The two-year project will use a waitlist control design, collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to assess playgroup efficacy and changes in caregiver perceptions. Qualitative data will also guide ongoing modifications and adaptations of the playgroup model and materials.

Deliverables

Co-developed STEM playgroup model and materials
Preliminary efficacy data on child-caregiver engagement and child STEM play skills
Preliminary data on caregiver feelings of self-efficacy related to computational thinking
Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
Findings and products made freely available on partners’ websites
Ongoing modifications and adaptations of the playgroup model and materials

Technical requirements

Waitlist control design
Quantitative data collection and analysis
Qualitative data collection and analysis

Key personnel

Researchers
Practitioners

Market context

inferred from NAICS

Educational Services

NAICS 611710

US market size: $340B
Typical award: $50K – $25M

Typical buyers

DoDVAStates

Commonly required

Accreditation

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

R&D in Physical, Engineering, Life Sciences (except Nanotech & Biotech)

NAICS 541715

US market size: $95B
Typical award: $100K – $50M+

Typical buyers

DoDNSFNIHNASADOE

Commonly required

DCAA-compliant accountingITARCMMC L2