Early language experiences matter
Disparities in the quality and quantity of language input experiences by children
from poverty backgrounds exist and impact future child outcomes.
By age 4, children from low income families
hear 30 million fewer words.
Children from higher income families typically have twice the vocabulary size when
compared to children from lower-income families (1100 words vs. 500 words).
Our Objectives
The overarching goal of the Bridging the Word Gap Research Network is to reduce the number of children who enter school with delays in language and early literacy. Learn about the background and goals of our work in this YouTube video and find links to the National Research Agenda.
Meet the Team
The Bridging the Word Gap Research Network is made up of more than 150 nationally recognized researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and funders working together to develop and push forward a coordinated national research agenda that address the word gap.
Collaborating Research Partnerships
The Bridging the Word Gap Collaborating Reserach Partnerships are a national multi-site network of research entities that are collaborating with our team to strengthen the evidence base of effective interventions reducing the word gap. Learn more about some of our partners.
Funding
This project was refunded through August 31, 2021 by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant UA6MC 27762, Bridging the Word Gap Research Network. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.