What if how much a child benefits from a learning program isn’t just about their environment, but also about their genes? And what if early parenting support could override those genetic disadvantages?

In this episode, we unpack a major study from Colombia that explores how polygenic scores (PGS) for educational attainment interact with early childhood interventions (ECIs). The findings are surprising: children with lower genetic scores showed greater gains from the intervention, enough to close the developmental gap.

We’ll discuss:

• What polygenic scores really measure

• How early support impacts children differently

• The role of parents in shaping developmental outcomes

• Implications for education, equity, and public policy

• Why genes are not destiny—and why timing matters

Whether you're into psychology, genetics, parenting, or just big ideas about human development, this one’s for you.

🔍 Join the conversation: What do you think about tailoring interventions vs. making them universal?

Attanasio, O., et al. (2024). Gene x Environment Interactions: Polygenic Scores and the Impact of an Early Childhood Intervention in Colombia. NBER Working Paper No. 33781

#EarlyChildhood #Genetics #Education #PolygenicScores #Parenting #Podcast #Readinario