Study finds slight developmental delays in children born during pandemic in NC

A study highlighted by WBTV examined the developmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children born in 2020, including those in North Carolina. Teachers at Ace Academy in Harrisburg, NC, reported speech and vocabulary delays among these children as they entered classrooms in September 2025, the first time this birth cohort made up a full class.

Laila Minott, executive director of Ace Academy, explained that pandemic-related isolation limited babies' exposure to facial expressions and sounds critical for learning, contributing to these delays. However, she noted disparities in educational access, with some children having ample resources at home while others had minimal exposure to basics like the ABCs.

Johns Hopkins Medicine analyzed over 50,000 parent questionnaires nationwide and found only slight delays in communication, problem-solving, and social development among children aged six months to five and a half years. Dr. Sarah Johnson, who led the study, said these delays are not severe enough to impact the entire generation significantly.

The research suggests that while some children born during the pandemic face developmental challenges, older children experienced more pronounced academic struggles, especially in reading and classroom engagement. The findings provide context for educators and parents in Charlotte and across North Carolina as they support children affected by pandemic disruptions.