Project description

The Early Assistance of Reading and Literacy in Youngsters Lab  (the EARLY Lab) is directed by Professor S. Claire Son at the University of Utah,  Department of Educational Psychology. The EARLY Lab develops research-based information and provides policy and program supports in regard to the education of young children, including preschoolers and primary graders. Our research focuses on early childhood development and education, especially in early language and literacy skills of at-risk children with social or economic disparities in Utah as well as across the United States. The EARLY Lab is interested in the identification of important predictors of early literacy, including digital technologies; informal and formal environments of home, classroom, and community; and reading programs and policy. We have also been actively characterizing and designing educational tools, media, and technologies that improve early development of reading behaviors, engagement, and learning. We are seeking strong graduate and undergraduate students interested in studying reading, literacy, and language development of young children by conducting community-based projects as well as by utilizing national and local data.

Keywords: early literacy, language, reading, education, psychology, human development, young children