The WELLab focuses on early care and education, as well as the health of children, teachers, and families. We strive to better understand factors that are related to children’s development, particularly for children from marginalized communities. We do this by examining how educator psychological and physical well-being is related to children’s development, as well as how individual, family, and environmental factors contribute to children’s development.
The student will contribute to the lab’s ongoing research projects focused on early childhood educator wellbeing and work environments in early childhood education settings serving children from birth to age five. The projects involve collecting and analyzing data through surveys and interviews within early childhood education settings. Students will help prepare materials, conduct fieldwork, enter data, transcribe and code interview data, and perform preliminary analyses of data under the supervision of faculty and graduate students.
The driving force behind this research is to uncover actionable insights that can be used to enhance educational policies and practices, aiming to improve the outcomes for children at critical developmental stages. By focusing on the well-being of educators and the environmental and familial factors affecting children, the research seeks to propose holistic improvements in early education environments.
This project stands out due to its interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of education, psychology, public policy, and health science to create a nuanced understanding of the educational ecosystem. It addresses a gap in current research by linking educator well-being directly to child developmental outcomes, providing a new perspective on traditional educational research. The work is not only academically significant but also has the potential to influence policy and make a real difference in the lives of children and educators. This offers students a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research that bridges theory and practice, equipping them with valuable insights and skills applicable to various future career paths in early childhood education and child development.
• Basic Computer Proficiency: Ability to use standard office software for data entry and document preparation (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs).
• Communication Skills: Good verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and possibly participate in interviews or surveys.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to pay close attention to details, which is crucial for accurate data collection and analysis.
• Time management skills: Ability to organize tasks and manage time effectively, especially since students will be balancing academic responsibilities with research work.
• Initiative and Curiosity: Willingness to learn and ask questions, showing initiative in understanding research objectives and processes.
• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse team, sharing tasks and supporting other team members.
• Interest in Child Development and Education: A genuine interest in the subjects of child development, education, or psychology, which can motivate sustained engagement and contribute to the research focus.
• Understanding of Research Methodologies: Students will gain a foundational understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This includes designing surveys, conducting interviews, and analyzing data, providing them with practical skills that can be applied in future academic or professional settings.
• Insight into Child Development and Educator Impact: Students will learn about the critical role educators play in the social-emotional development of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This knowledge is invaluable for students potentially interested in careers in education, psychology, or child development.
• Experience in Collaborative Teamwork: Students will learn to work effectively as part of a research team, which includes collaborating with peers, sharing responsibilities, and communicating findings. These teamwork skills are transferrable to nearly any professional environment.
• Application of Theory to Practice: Through active participation in research, students will see how theoretical knowledge from their courses applies to real-world problems. This application of theory to practice helps bridge the gap between academic studies and practical implementation, enhancing their educational experience.