The new technology is a part of a pilot program. The children wear “talk pedometers” to track how communicative they are and how often they interact with teachers inside Day Early Learning at Park 100 on the northwest side.

Studies show young kids’ verbal frequency is an early sign of how ready they are for kindergarten. And, since infants and toddlers don’t take tests at school, program coordinators say this new technology is one of the most robust ways early childhood teachers can collect empirical data. They use it to modify lessons and ensure they’re reaching all students.