Development of preschool speech-to-print curricula with online gaming technology for early language development

PROJECT SUMMARY Children ages 2-6 are experiencing a steady decline in speech and language development rates. Lack of a developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum with technology that supports active speech and language development is nonexistent due to lack of oversight and regulations of preschool learning outcomes and access to high quality and affordable educational products, and a commercial media industry exploiting these deficits. Existing products also increase consumption of harmful passive screentime. Grounded in research in the fields of speech-first instruction, inclusive music, and single character-driven narratives, Finnegan the Dragon has created a classroom instructional system that supports functional and grammatical language development with technology that addresses passive screen time consumption with all children. Finnegan the Dragon is a speech- to-print preschool curricula and mobile gaming app that targets speech and early literacy skill development that does not introduce the harmful effects of passive screen time. Modular units of instruction focused on sound development are used by classroom teachers to instruct children in phonological awareness. The mobile gaming app features extend classroom learning into the home, providing students and families with extended opportunities to practice and master targeted speech and language milestones. The goal of Finnegan the Dragon is to reinvent the nature of curriculum designed for preschool-aged children using technology paired with classroom learning for more inclusive and impactful instruction. In this Phase I project, we will establish baseline efficacy, usability, and adoptability of the Finnegan the Dragon learning system. Baseline efficacy will be demonstrated by improvement of speech and language acquisition in children ages 3-4. Achievement of the Phase I Aims will prepare the product for Phase II expansion of the classroom curricula to more precisely address developmental milestones between ages 2-6 and increase usability and adaptability rates. The total available market for preschool learners in the United States is 4.2M children, and our target market is the 2.1M children enrolled in formal preschool learning institutions. The preschool market segmentations are made up of small, mid-sized, large and national institutions who spend close to $65M annually in curriculum products. Our path to market targets mid to large-sized institutions that serve between 500-15,000 students per region or district. We have strategically partnered with Head Start of Oregon to validate classroom use and efficacy for large institutions. We have also partnered with Vooks.com to drive customer acquisition for mid-sized institutions. Our technology is currently patent pending and our branded materials are protected under copyright and trademark law.