As a first step, what must be done before enrolling a young child in a research protocol?

Before enrolling a young child in a research protocol, it is essential to explain the risks and benefits to the child's parents or legally authorized representative. This step is critical because parents or guardians have the legal and ethical responsibility to make informed decisions on behalf of their children, especially when it comes to participation in research that might involve potential risks or require a commitment of time and resources.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical research practices, ensuring that the guardians fully understand the nature of the study, its purpose, and any potential risks involved. This process helps to protect the child's well-being and autonomy, even though they may not be able to provide consent for themselves due to their age.

The other choices do not align with ethical research practices. For instance, while the understanding of the research is important, young children are typically not developmentally able to grasp the complexities of research protocols. Therefore, requiring a demonstration of understanding from them is not feasible. Similarly, since children cannot provide written consent, relying on their approval is not appropriate. Lastly, although it could be beneficial to have the support of the child's teachers, it is not a prerequisite for enrolling the child in research. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the vital role of informed consent from the parents or