The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) Center at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) is committed to developing and enhancing engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning opportunities for young children with disabilities (birth to five).

The Center creates products and implements services to expand knowledge awareness, acquisition, and implementation of STEM evidence-informed practices. It also collaborates closely with early childhood and early childhood special education practitioners and families to integrate essential STEM learning experiences seamlessly into everyday routines and activities to create an enriching environment for young learners. The STEMIE website is an essential part of this and so the Center recently redesigned it complete with new tools to ensure optimal access to and use of STEMIE’s many resources.

Within the new site, you'll find that:

• the STEMIE Learning Trajectories has its own dedicated site;
• website visitors can now explore “Collections,” where resources are thoughtfully grouped by categories; and
• the STEMIE blog (previously known as STEM4EC blog) is now centrally located for easier access.

Research-based learning trajectories, which include a goal, developmental progressions, and teaching (i.e., environmental, material, and instructional considerations), strengthen children's thinking. By helping educators and families understand how children think and learn about STEM topics and offering them strategies to engage children with and without disabilities in developmentally appropriate and joyful learning, the learning trajectories are invaluable in ensuring each and every child can be successful in reaching their STEM potential.

Collections are curated sets of STEMIE resources that focus on particular topics. Collections may include how-to guides, video demonstrations, activities, and other helpful materials. For example, resources that focus on including young children with disabilities in STEM experiences can be found in the Inclusion in STEM collection.

Within the STEMIE blog, Center and STEM experts share engaging topics that foster curiosity and promote STEM learning for young children. Blog post offerings include “Storybook Conversations,” which connect popular stories to STEM concepts and processes; “MythBusters” that address common misconceptions about STEM learning; and “Insights” into early childhood education.

Additionally, the Center features “STEM talkAble” discussions and practical tips focused on inclusion and adaptations. STEM4EC brings a world of STEM to young learners’ fingertips.

Some recent blog post topics include:

• Helping Young Children Engage with Storybooks with Dialogic Reading and Adaptations
• Kids in the Garden: Caring for the Environment and Making Healthy Food Choices
• Mythbuster Series #6: Assistive Technology (AT) Just Means Expensive Tablets and Computers
• My STEM Adventure: Inclusive Educational Gaming for Everyone
• Supporting Early Language, Physical Activity, and STEM Learning through Outdoor Time

"We're pleased to make all of our resources so readily available and accessible with the newly redesigned website," said FPG Senior Technical Assistance Specialist Megan Vinh, PhD, who is principal investigator and co-director of the STEMIE Center.

"And as we continue to work with our constituents on inclusive STEM experiences, we look forward to continuing to co-develop resources to meet the needs of the field.” said Chih-Ing Lim, PhD, who is also a senior technical assistance specialist at FPG and co-director of STEMIE.