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KidSmart
A Project of IBM and PACER
This KidSmart Project is a national early childhood technology program designed by PACER Center and IBM to help children with and without disabilities learn in inclusive environments. Through the use of technology, this project aims to help children bridge the digital divide. The project provides the opportunity for professionals and parents to learn more about integrating technology into early childhood classrooms. Through this national project, PACER and IBM are teaming up with other national organizations to promote an inclusive classroom environment.
About KidSmart
KidSmart is celebrating its10th year of making a difference in the lives of children using technology. Like the sandbox on the playground, the Young Explorer takes center stage as a technology learning center and becomes the “sandbox” of the classroom.
The IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program integrates new interactive teaching and learning activities using the latest technology into the pre-kindergarten curricula. The program is now being implemented in 60 countries internationally, serving more than 2 million children from remote geographic areas to underprivileged areas of town and cities.
The centerpiece of KidSmart is the Young Explorer, a colorful "kid-proof" play station manufactured by Little Tikes and IBM and loaded with award-winning educational software from
Riverdeep - The Learning Company.
To expand the benefits of the program beyond its grant sites, IBM launched a new web site for early learning and technology at www.kidsmartearlylearning.org. Created in collaboration with the Center for Children and Technology, Bank Street College of Education, and United Way, the site is in nine languages and includes a guide for parents to encourage early learning at home.
It also includes a section for preschool teachers that details how they can best use technology to support learning in their classrooms.
PACER Center brings a unique training component to the KidSmart project called Project KITE (Kids Included through Technology are Enriched). Project KITE is an evidenced based 12 year training curriculum for parents and teachers of young children with disabilities. The goal of Project KITE is to promote inclusion for children with disabilities through the use of technology. It provides the opportunity for training to integrate technology in early childhood classrooms and homes.
KidSmart Project Partners
The four national organizations partnering in the KidSmart project are:
- Head Start
- Alliance for Technology Access Centers
- Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers
- Puckett Institute
Please contact PACER Simon Technology Center with any questions at 952-838-9000 or by emailing ectech@PACER.org.
PACER's site offers many PDF files for download, which require 
