Fostering STEM in Early Childhood Programs: Practices of Preschool Parents with STEM Backgrounds

Abstract

The study examines  STEM practices of early childhood parents with STEM backgrounds, the experiences that influenced their STEM interests and the ways they are developing STEM learning in their young children. A qualitative research design was used  that involved interviewing parents recruited from child care centers from the reserachers town. The study finds family role models, preschool curriculum and passion/motivation/ are key factors in stimulating STEM interest and learning in young children. Strategies that early childhood programs can adopt to foster STEM in young programs is the highlight of this work.