University of Southern Queensland researchers are looking for parents with a child in early years of school to take part in a new study investigating the impact of COVID-19 home learning on children and families.

The coronavirus outbreak sparked a massive home learning experiment as students, teachers and parents across the country rushed to adapt to remote schooling.

With the majority of students now back at school, the researchers are investigating the impact of COVID-19 home learning on children and families.

Principal investigator Michele Wright said there were many lessons to be learned from the recent experience.

“Everyone was caught off guard by how quickly COVID-19 impacted every aspect of our lives, but it also highlighted the importance of continuing education," she said.

“When schools started closing in March and remote learning was rolled out, parents were forced to take an expanded role in their child’s education while balancing work and other tasks

“It caused concerns for many who were unprepared to begin at-home schooling and struggled to adequately support their child’s learning needs at home.”

Mrs Wright said the study would initially focus on the home learning experiences of families with children in the early years of schooling, from kindergarten to Year 2.

“This period of a child’s life is arguably the most critical time for their development, not just for their academic literacy and numeracy skills, but also other important social and learning skills,” she said.