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91Ʋ Peabody College launches Early Childhood 91Ʋ Collaborative

A March 27 opening event will feature guest speakers, early childhood experts and student research.

ղԻof education and human development,longa pioneer in early childhoodstudies,willlaunch theon March 27, uniting more than 40 faculty members across91Ʋ University to advance early childhood research and translate findings for families,educatorsand communities.

The ECRCserves as ahub where scholars,studentsandpractitionerscan connect, shareideas,and amplifyresearch thatshapeshowchildrenfrom birth to age 8—including multilingual learners and children with disabilities—developand learn.

Headshot of Provost C. Cybele Raver
C. Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at 91Ʋ University

“91Ʋ’s strengths in early childhood research—anchoredinPeabody College—position us as a global leader in advancing knowledge and expanding opportunity for young children,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver. “TheEarly Childhood 91Ʋ Collaborative is an exciting step forward, bringing together scholars from across the university to spark new ideas, deepen collaboration and drive discoveries that will make a meaningful difference for children and families.”

LAUNCH EVENT AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The March 27 (1:30 to 5 p.m., Wyatt Center Rotunda) will feature keynote speaker Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a Temple University psychology professor and Brookings Institution senior fellowlaudedas a “scientific entrepreneur”by the American Association of Psychology.

With 15 books and more than 250 publications, Hirsh-Pasek is an award-winning researcher recognized for bridging basic science and educational impact. She will discuss “Active playful learning: Where the science of learning meets education.”

Guests will also enjoy faculty flash talks from collaborative members, student poster presentations and a reception.

LEADERSHIP AND RESEARCHAREAS

Headshot of Bethany Rittle-Johnson with trees and building behind her.
Bethany Rittle-Johnson serves as director of the ECRC.

, Anita S. and Antonio M. Gotto Professor of Child Development and professor of psychology, directs the collaborative. A leading scholar of how children develop problem-solving skills in mathematics in the early years, she emphasized the importance of this work: “The first eight years of children’s lives are a critical time for developing the broad range of competencies they will need to thrive in school, in relationships and in life,” she said.

, research assistant professor of special education,servesas assistant director.

The ECRC’s work is organized around five key areas of early childhood development:

  • Early Childhood Policyfocuses on policies that promotehealth and well-being, economic security, and high-quality, affordable early-learning opportunities for families with young children.Led by, director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center and professor of early childhood and public policy.
  • Emotional and Socialexamineshowchildrenlearn to recognize and express emotions, understand social rules, developempathyand form positive peer relationships.Co-led by,professor of special education,and, associate professor of psychology and human development.
  • Language and Literacyfocuseson helpingchildrenbuild essentiallanguage developmentskillsandfoundational building blocks for reading and writing.Co-led by, associate professor of teaching and learning,and, associate professor of special education.
  • Mathematicsexploreshow interactive, everyday experiences and play support early math development.Co-led byand, research assistant professor of teaching and learning.
  • Motor and Cognitiveinvestigateshow infants and young children learn about the world through exploration,observationand social interactions, and howthese experiencespromote cognitive development.Led by, professor of psychology and human development.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The will serve as a resource linking researchers, media, students and the broader community with 91Ʋ’s early childhood experts, while showcasing their studies and practice partnerships that create real-world impact.

“We’re committed to ensuring that 91Ʋ’s expertise reaches those who need it most.” – Tatiana Peredo

“Early childhood research belongs in the hands of families, educators and communities,” said Peredo.“We’re committed to ensuring that 91Ʋ’s expertise reaches those who need it most.”

To learn more, visit the orfor the.