About the ECRC
Mission Statement:
The Vanderbilt Early Childhood Research Collaborative is a dynamic, transdisciplinary research partnership that advances knowledge of early childhood development and education. Bringing together experts from across Peabody College of education and human development and the broader Vanderbilt community, the collaborative drives research and innovation to promote the thriving of young children (birth to age 8) and the families, educators and communities who support them. Our vision is to advance the science that supports efforts to ensure all young children globally have access to high-quality early experiences and support.
Goals
- Spark new research ideas
- Connect collaborators
- Raise visibility and disseminate research findings.
Core Areas of Focus
We address five core areas of focus for children from birth to age 8. This includes children with disabilities and multi-lingual learners as well as the families, educators and communities who support young children.
- Language and Literacy
- Mathematics
- Motor and Cognitive
- Emotional and Social
- Policy
Leadership Team
Bethany Rittle-Johnson, Director
Tatiana Peredo, Assistant Director
Our leadership team is organized by leader(s) for each core area of focus, as well as one general representative: C. Melanie Schuele (Hearing and Speech).
- Early Childhood Policy: Cynthia Osborne (Leadership, Policy & Organizations)
- Language and Literacy: Emily Phillips Galloway (Teaching & Learning) and Jessica Logan (Special Education)
- Mathematics: Bethany Rittle-Johnson (Psychology & HD) and Kelley Durkin (Teaching & Learning)
- Motor and Cognitive: Amy Needham (Psychology & HD)
- Emotional and Social: Mary Louise Hemmeter (Special Education) and Kate Humphreys (Psychology & HD)