Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development, long a pioneer in early childhood studies, will launch the Vanderbilt Early Childhood Research Collaborative on March 27, uniting more than 40 faculty members across Vanderbilt University to advance early childhood research and translate findings for families, educators and communities.
The ECRC serves as a hub where scholars, students and practitioners can connect, share ideas, and amplify research that shapes how children from birth to age 8-including multilingual learners and children with disabilities-develop and learn.
"Vanderbilt's strengths in early childhood research-anchored in Peabody 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. "The Early Childhood Research 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 launch event and symposium (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 fellow lauded as 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 RESEARCH AREAS
Bethany Rittle-Johnson, 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.
Tatiana Peredo, research assistant professor of special education, serves as assistant director.
The ECRC's work is organized around five key areas of early childhood development:
- Early Childhood Policy focuses on policies that promote health and well-being, economic security, and high-quality, affordable early-learning opportunities for families with young children. Led by Cynthia Osborne, director of the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center and professor of early childhood and public policy.
- Emotional and Social examines how children learn to recognize and express emotions, understand social rules, develop empathy and form positive peer relationships. Co-led by Mary Louise Hemmeter, professor of special education, and Kathryn Humphries, associate professor of psychology and human development.
- Language and Literacy focuses on helping children build essential language development skills and foundational building blocks for reading and writing. Co-led by Emily Phillips Galloway, associate professor of teaching and learning, and Jessica Logan, associate professor of special education.
- Mathematics explores how interactive, everyday experiences and play support early math development. Co-led by Bethany Rittle-Johnson and Kelley Durkin, research assistant professor of teaching and learning.
- Motor and Cognitive investigates how infants and young children learn about the world through exploration, observation and social interactions, and how these experiences promote cognitive development. Led by Amy Needham, professor of psychology and human development.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The center's website will serve as a resource linking researchers, media, students and the broader community with Vanderbilt's early childhood experts, while showcasing their studies and practice partnerships that create real-world impact.
"We're committed to ensuring that Vanderbilt'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 Vanderbilt's expertise reaches those who need it most."
To learn more, visit the website or register for the launch event.
