Using developmental science to support early communication and learning
Stress and resource constraints can negatively affect child development in low-socioeconomic-status families, particularly during the earliest years of life. To better understand these challenges and support families in Tompkins County, psychology professor Michael Goldstein is partnering with the Sciencenter and Tompkins Community Action on Nurturing Early Speech Together (NEST). The program draws on research into early language exposure and parental responsiveness to infants’ vocalizations to offer parenting workshops for Early Head Start families alongside interactive exhibits at the Sciencenter. Through these experiences, NEST aims to help caregivers build confidence in fostering young children’s communicative development.
Undergraduate students in Goldstein’s advanced developmental seminar (PSYCH 4770) help translate developmental science into hands-on activities and exhibits informed by literature reviews, writing assignments and program design. Families participating in the intervention program then test these exhibit prototypes in the Sciencenter’s Curiosity Corner and provide feedback to help refine them. Researchers also conduct six- and 15-month follow-ups to track children’s communicative and cognitive development after the workshops. Beyond the project itself, the exhibits will continue serving young visitors at the Sciencenter and be shared online with early childhood learning communities nationwide.
Michael Goldstein, Department of Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences
Community Partners: Sciencenter, Tompkins Community Action