What is STEMIE?

The STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center (STEMIE) is a national center funded by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education, that aims to ensure that all young children (birth to five), with and without disabilities have equitable access to high quality STEM learning experiences. Through knowledge development and technical assistance services, STEMIE supports and co- partners with educators, families, faculty, and informal learning space staff, and more to ensure that high quality STEM learning is embedded in early learning opportunities across early childhood environments. Specifically, STEMIE aims to work towards zero barriers for children with disabilities and intersecting identities to fully participate in STEM learning and to positively affirm each and every child’s STEM identities.

What will STEMIE offer at the Summer Institute?

STEMIE’s upcoming session “Embedding Child-Centered Early STEM Learning
Experiences for All Young Children” is designed for educators who want to integrate inclusive STEM learning experiences into their preK settings in a way that supports the development and learning of all children, including those with disabilities and from minoritized communities. The session will introduce participants to the rationale and research behind STEMIE’s work and culturally responsive and inclusive STEM practices in early childhood settings. The session will also share some free online resources that can help teachers plan and implement STEM activities that align with the learning goals and standards for preK children.

The session will also focus on using the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning trajectories. Learning trajectories includes three parts: (a) content goal(s), (b) developmental progressions of skills to obtain that goal, and (c) intentional teaching that considers the environment, materials, and instruction, with responsive adaptations to ensure that young children with disabilities can engage fully in STEM experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to explore STEMIE’s newly released Learning Trajectory website, LT Website, and practical examples of inclusive STEM experiences and reflect on how they can apply learning trajectories to their own contexts.

How can I learn more about STEMIE?

There are three action steps you can do to learn more about STEMIE and start
cultivating inclusive STEM:

1) Visit STEMIE website to learn about who they are, what they do, and access all their free resources!

2) Sign up for the STEMIE newsletter to receive the latest news and resources from STEMIE.

3) Register for free virtual STEMIEFest (October 14-15, 12-4 pm EST) to learn more about implementing inclusive STEM every day and everywhere.