Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education
About This Grant
PROJECT ABSTRACT There is a paucity of interventions targeted to changing developmental trajectories for young children with disabilities. As we face a continuing youth mental health crisis (currently estimated to affect 13% of youth, with a 35% increase between 2016-2023), there is an urgent need for evidence-based, early intervention that can address skill deficits and improve outcomes. Executive function has been identified as a transdiagnostic, underlying driver of mental health outcomes, and deficits are present across childhood disabilities. Executive function deficits in early childhood predict later aggression, anxiety, and mood challenges, as well as emotional, academic, and adaptive functioning in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. Children with disabilities and associated early executive function challenges are at elevated risk for preschool expulsion and a subsequent cascade of poor mental health and academic outcomes. Universal (Tier 1) programs for early childhood executive functioning have mixed outcomes and do not adequately meet the needs of children with disabilities and identified challenges with executive function. This project proposes to test a novel executive function intervention, Unstuck and On Target for Early Childhood (Unstuck-EC), compared to a services-as-usual control, implemented by preschool classroom teachers of children with disabilities, as the first Tier 2 (selective) executive function intervention for young children. Unstuck-EC is adapted from the evidence-based Unstuck and On Target: 8-11, which is designed to be implemented in schools as a Tier 2 intervention for executive function challenges in neurodivergent youth. Unstuck-EC has been developed with input from early childhood providers and shown promise of efficacy in a preliminary development trial, when implemented by behavioral and development specialists. Grounded in the PRISM framework, we will collaborate with an advisory board to adapt Unstuck-EC for implementation by preschool teachers. We will partner with local public preschools to conduct a hybrid (Type 1) effectiveness-implementation trial (N=100 Unstuck-EC, N=60 Services as Usual Control), over the course of two school years. We predict that children in Unstuck-EC will show gains in executive function, and teachers will show improved knowledge and use of executive-function supporting strategies. We will also explore potential improvements in child mental health and expulsion risk, as well as in teacher strain and self-efficacy. Finally, we will assess factors related to reach, adoption, and implementation of Unstuck-EC, preparing for a future, larger randomized comparative effectiveness trial.
Grant Summary
Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education is a NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health grant providing up to $479K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2029-04-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $479K
2029-04-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health before the deadline.
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Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education?
Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education is offered by NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education provide?
Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education provides up to $479K per award from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education deadline?
Applications for Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education are due 2029-04-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education?
To apply for Changing Developmental Trajectories through Early Executive Function Intervention in Early Childhood Education, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health.