Frequently Asked Questions

This program is designed for infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children. We use a comprehensive approach that helps teachers understand child development through the lens of science. We also have specialized materials designed to support infants, toddlers, and preschoolers as they grow and change.

The Early Science Initiative is housed within the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. Although this is our home base, ESI schools can be found throughout the nation as we continue to grow the love for science.

Our team is committed to unleashing the power of science with everyone. While currently we only have programs throughout the United States, our team is eager to support and empower young learners, teachers, and families globally. To find out what cities we're currently working in, click here.

We provide most of our materials in Spanish as well as English and have several Spanish speakers on our team to meet your growing diverse language needs.

Yes; because we’re a group of developmental psychologists, our team emphasizes the importance of research data. We focus on providing a variety of different assessments for teachers, children, and parents.

Is this a curriculum?
No, we are a research-based system of embedded professional learning and family engagement. We do not believe in giving teachers scripts to read or a new lesson to follow. Instead, we support teachers in identifying science in everyday places and spaces. We help them dig deeper into existing curricula and develop their own studies based on children’s interests.

Currently, our team is following Covid-19 safety guidelines and we are not having any in-person training sessions. However, we provide flexibility and work with each site and community to directly customize the professional development format that best fits their needs. Once restrictions have been lifted, we look forward to providing both in-person and virtual professional learning experiences. For a list of our current Professional Learning Experiences, click here.

No, ESI is for all types of early childhood programs, including schools, libraries, community programs, and more!

Our ESI program is completely customizable to fit your needs and your budget. Contact us today to discuss a package that is best for you!

Yes, the Lens on Science assessment is used to measure children’s science outcomes. For more information on the assessment we use, click here. We also have assessments to measures teachers' beliefs and attitudes towards science, their applied science knowledge, and their general application of science in the classroom. If you’re interested in families, we have assessment tools to help us learn about families as well!

Yes, our goal is to integrate science into what you are already doing to enhance and foster a lifetime of curiosity. We provide materials that support adults through that process. You can find a sample of our materials here.

The materials, like binders and ESI books, will be shipped directly to the address you provide. 

All our books, professional learning experiences, and materials are protected by trademark and copyright laws. To replicate any of our materials please contact us.