Back to ECE Safely With SAGE: Reducing COVID-19 Transmission in Hispanic and Low-income Preschoolers

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, and scalability of returning young children ages 3 to 5 to early childhood education (ECE) settings through COVID-19 testing. The study also examined whether outdoor garden-based education could help reduce the education gap experienced by children who had been out of school during the pandemic.

Materials/Methods: The study took place across 40 ECE sites in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. The study enrolled ECE children, their parents, and ECE personnel in communities that experienced significant disruptions in schooling. These groups formed the study population used to assess testing acceptability, participation, and the potential benefits of garden-based education.

Outcome/Impact: The study produced data on the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, and scalability of implementing early childhood COVID-19 testing across diverse ECE sites. The study also generated input on outdoor garden-based education in supporting learning recovery for children affected by pandemic-related school disruptions.