2024 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute

Children innately engage in STEM learning from infancy as explorers and problem solvers using scientific thinking in their play. Yet, these skills are often not supported or given space to grow in early childhood education settings (Clements, et al., 2021). Children with disabilities, and from marginalized backgrounds lack access and demonstrate lower levels of achievement in STEM, (Clements, et al., 2021), creating a STEM opportunity gap. The Nest, the early learning environment for infants and toddlers at Kidzu Children’s Museum, and the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education Center are partnering to address barriers to STEM learning. The team is collaborating to create STEM learning opportunities through inclusive playgroups in The Nest, to create resources to support STEM learning for all children, and to offer adaptive play opportunities in Kidzu for older children.