Conference PaperElevating the Ways in Which Latina Mothers Perceive, Do, and Envision Early STEM learningGarcia, Leiny; Roldan, Wendy; Bermudez, Vanessa; Bustamante, Andres S.; Ahn, June.Early STEM learning opportunities aligned with families’ funds of knowledge can produce meaningful learning experiences for children. We investigated Latina mothers’ perceptions and values of STEM learning, STEM-related activities with their children, and the early STEM learning experiences mothers designed for community spaces. In a researchpractice partnership, we conducted seven virtual co-design sessions with 32 caregivers and individual interviews with a subset of 10 mothers. A thematic analysis revealed that Latina mothers’ STEM perceptions were primarily informed by school-based notions, yet they also integrated STEM in everyday, family practices such as cultural games. Mothers valued experiences promoting family unity, intergenerational learning, heritage, active citizenship, and ganas. Finally, Latina mothers’ values and practices informed their vision and design of early STEM learning artifacts in the community. Thus, diverse parents’ contributions in design efforts can serve as a mechanism through which stakeholders connect and enhance children’s learning experiences across contexts.2022-01-0110427554Proceedings of International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)551-558https://doi.org/2005776National Science Foundation