Why STEM in Early Childhood: How do we begin?

The meeting focused on early childhood STEM education, featuring a discussion between educators about introducing scientific concepts to young children. The conversation explored how to support children's natural curiosity and experimentation, particularly in toddler and infant classrooms, with emphasis on developmentally appropriate activities and materials.

Panelists discussed the importance of providing multiple experiences and vocabulary to help children build foundational scientific understanding, while avoiding over-formalization of learning. They also addressed the challenge of introducing career concepts to young children through natural interactions with community members and everyday experiences. The discussion concluded with agreement on the critical role of educators as champions for children, particularly those from underserved backgrounds who may lack role models and expectations for success.

Sarah discussed the importance of fostering curiosity and sensory exploration in young children, emphasizing the value of observing and interacting with the world around them. She highlighted the availability of resources and guidelines for early childhood science education, such as those from Texas and other organizations. Sarah also described typical STEM milestones for children aged 18 months to 3 years, including object throwing and building, and suggested ways to support these developmental stages.