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Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

STEM Career Days boost high school students’ career aspirations in STEM fields, MU study finds

A new MU study shows that high school students who attended college-run STEM Career Days were far more likely to have STEM-related career aspirations than those who did not attend. The study highlights the benefits of introducing high school students to STEM opportunities and can help increase diversity in the STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2023

Researchers identify important strategies for diabetes care and quality improvements in the primary care setting

High-performing primary care practices use similar strategies to manage change and improve diabetes care, including standardizing the care process, enhancing care teams, and engaging staff and clinicians. These practices also focus on proactive care, pre-visit planning, and improving patient relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Learning collaborative promotes mifepristone education and utilization training in federally qualified health centers

A learning collaborative enhanced educational and training support services for primary care doctors to use mifepristone for miscarriage management and abortion provision. Clinics increased knowledge of mifepristone and stockpiled the medication, despite existing financial barriers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Preschoolers from low-income families may have worse health and benefit less from health promotion interventions than children with higher socioeconomic status

Researchers found that preschoolers from low-income families had poorer health outcomes and improved less in healthy lifestyle habits compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds. The intervention program showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among children with higher socioeconomic status, bu...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

Study aims to assess impact of physical activity intervention on cognitive development of young children in low socioeconomic areas

A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.

Trust, strong family ties, and effective leadership in pre-K can mitigate inequality for Black, Latine children

A positive school climate characterized by effective leadership and strong family ties can reduce disparities in emotional support and classroom organization for Black and Latine preschoolers. However, instructional support remains a concern despite improved school climate.

SourceNew York University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

Preschoolers with larger vocabulary before they begin education, perform better in class – study shows

A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Calls for resilience training, more extra-curricular activities in schools to help prevent mental health disorders

A new study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute calls for increased support for student mental health, including training for educators and co-locating mental health clinicians. The researchers believe schools can play a crucial role in identifying at-risk children and providing prevention and early intervention strategies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021

Being fair: The benefits of early child education

A new study published in Nature Communications found that children from low-income families who received early intensive education tend to exhibit high levels of fairness in their decision-making processes decades later. They are more sensitive to inequality and prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains, suggesting a lasting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2018

Graduates of early childhood program show greater educational gains as adults

A study funded by NIH found that graduates of a high-quality early childhood program showed higher attainment of college degrees compared to a similar group. The Child-Parent Centers (CPC) program, which provided intensive instruction and parental support, had a positive impact on adults' educational outcomes.

Early education narrows the achievement gap with younger starts and longer stays

Research from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute shows that high-quality early education significantly boosts language skills in children from low-income families. Children who start earlier and stay longer in these programs also demonstrate strong English language skills, even those whose first language is not English.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMar 31, 2015

Early intervention could boost education levels

Researchers found that progressive educational interventions can improve school entry academic skills and later educational outcomes, leading to a potential 5% increase in population-level academic achievement. The study suggests that pre-school education is crucial in setting children on the right path, with the potential to reduce so...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalChild Development·DateOct 22, 2014

Enhanced early childhood education pays long-term dividends in better health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that intensive early education programs for low-income children can bring improved health and healthier behaviors in early adulthood. The randomized control trial, which enrolled 111 infants from the 1970s to age 21, showed significant benefits in health measure...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2011

Program helps improve management of chronic pain

A collaborative care intervention improved pain-related disability and intensity in patients with chronic noncancer pain compared to usual care. The program, which included patient and clinician education and symptom monitoring, showed significant improvements in depression and functional status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 24, 2009