Empowering Families for STEM Success: How Parental Involvement Shapes Early Childhood Education

Abstract

As STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education becomes a cornerstone of modern curricula, early childhood educators play a critical role in laying its foundation. However, the classroom is only part of the equation. Research shows that families particularly parents with STEM-related knowledge, experiences, and values can profoundly influence children’s early interest and success in STEM fields. This article highlights recent findings on STEM-specific parental social capital, summarizes key insights, and offers practical strategies for educators to engage families in meaningful STEM experiences.