Program Description
Fueling Brains is an early childhood program that integrates executive function development into pre-kindergarten instruction. Grounded in research on neuroplasticity and whole-child development, the program blends guided and open-ended play with hands-on, interactive learning. It targets core cognitive skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control—abilities linked to long-term academic and social outcomes. Instruction is designed to be ecologically authentic, allowing children to apply learned skills in meaningful, real-world contexts. The program also emphasizes data-informed instruction, using ongoing assessments to tailor learning experiences.
Program Outcomes
A two-year quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Fueling Brains in a large, high-minority, economically disadvantaged district in Southeast Texas. A matched sample of 352 pre-kindergarten students (174 Fueling Brains, 178 control) was followed through the end of kindergarten, though the intervention occurred only in pre-kindergarten. By the end of that year and adjusting for pretests, Fueling Brains students significantly outperformed peers on the CIRCLE assessment’s rapid vocabulary and phonological awareness subtests (effect sizes = +0.18 and +0.26 respectively). These results support a Promising rating under ESSA. It should also be noted that the gains persisted, with significantly higher scores on six of seven TX-KEA literacy and math subtests at the end of kindergarten.
Staffing Requirements
Minimum of one instructional coach per school district
Professional Development/Training
Fueling Brains provides in-person, virtual, or asynchronous training/professional development sessions to the administrators, teachers, and instructional coaches.
Technology
Fueling Brains provides software that can be accessed through its regular web platform on laptops and tablets, as well as through the MobiLab app on mobile devices.