Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Bug-In-Ear ECoaching To Enhance Parents' Use Of Embedded Learning Opportunities With Preschool-Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Aeshah Alturki

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has heightened the need for effective communication interventions. Parents are key partners in intervention and, with appropriate support, can serve as effective intervention agents. However, parents often require ongoing support to implement evidence-based practices. The purpose of this study was to experimentally evaluate the effects of online Bug-in-Ear (BIE) eCoaching on parents’ fidelity of embedded choice-making during family routines with their preschool-aged children with ASD. This study also examined the generalization and maintenance, children’s communicative responses, and parents’ perceptions of the intervention. A single-subject nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across two parent–child dyads …

Using Play-Based Learning To Support Early Academic-Related Learning Behaviors: A Case Study In An Early Childhood Classroom, Tracy Montalvo

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based research study examined how play-based learning supports early academic-related learning behaviors for an individual child in a preschool early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom. The purpose of this study was to understand how engagement, persistence, and problem-solving developed over time through play-based experiences and teacher facilitation. Data were collected over a four-week period using multiple tools, including structured observation checklists, frequency and duration recording sheets, anecdotal field notes, and reflective journal entries. The findings of this study suggest that play-based learning supported the development of early academic-related learning behaviors, as the child demonstrated increased engagement, improved persistence, and …

From Arrival To Opportunity: A Policy Analysis For Supporting Newly Arrived English Learners In California, Valeria Gabrielli, Stephanie Mendoza Hernandez

School of Public Policy Capstones

Newly arrived immigrant students, commonly referred to as “newcomers,” represent a notable portion of the English Learner (EL) population in California’s K–12 public schools. As of Fall 2023, the California Department of Education reported that newcomers comprised 3.27% of total student enrollment. Although enrollment is projected to decline in the near term, the potential for future increases highlights the need for sustainable, evidence-based support systems. This study examines how California K–12 public schools with large EL populations provide academic and trauma-informed support services to newcomer students, with a particular focus on early intervention in grades K–5. Using the Bardach policy …

Cv: Rebecca Pruitt (Early Childhood Special Education), Rebecca Pruitt

Education Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Beyond Words: Supporting Nonverbal Autistic Preschoolers With Exceptional Cognitive Abilities, Dawn Timms

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This project explores how caregivers can support autistic preschoolers who are nonverbal yet demonstrate advanced cognitive abilities. Grounded in communication theory and neurodiversity‑affirming practice, it reframes communication as a shared, relational process that extends beyond spoken language. Drawing from interdisciplinary research, I created a strengths‑based caregiver communication toolkit that translates complex theory into clear, practical strategies families can use in everyday routines. This work honors the intelligence of children whose thinking outpaces their speech and equips caregivers with tools that make communication more accessible, responsive, and affirming.

The Impact Of The Two-Way Immersion Model On Hispanic Pre-Service And In-Service Teachers’ Understanding Of Curriculum Implementation In Early Childhood Field Placements, Omar J. Vigo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Dual language education, also known as Two-Way Immersion (TWI), is a teaching method that puts native English speakers and native speakers of another language in the same classroom. This helps both groups become bilingual and biliterate (Christian, 1996; Lindholm-Leary, 2001). The TWI approach highlights several benefits, including bilingualism and biliteracy, academic achievement, cross-cultural competence, cognitive improvements, and equity and accessibility (Lindholm-Leary, 2001). Research on the TWI model in adults is limited, although it has demonstrated effectiveness in supporting Hispanic teacher candidates, unlike studies conducted in primary education. This demonstrates that the TWI methodology benefits students (Van Booven, 2012). This …

Parents Engaging In Early Literacy (Peel): Outcomes From A Shared Reading Program Implemented Via Text Messaging, Victoria Henbest, Brenda L. Beverly, Gina M. Mejia

Victoria S. Henbest Publications

Purpose: Investigators delivered an asynchronous parent education for improving early literacy skills of typically developing preschoolers. The home-based shared-book reading program, PEEL, consisted of strategies modeled via videos and sent as text messages.

Method: Twenty parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to one of two 8-week programs targeting evidence-based early literacy strategies. One parent group was taught strategies to support print-related knowledge for learning to read, and the other learned skills to promote vocabulary and story knowledge underlying comprehension.

Results: The asynchronous parent education resulted in more frequent parental use of taught strategies compared to non-taught strategies during …

Language Development In Military-Affiliated Children: The Role Of Parental Absence, Jenna K. Walton

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education in the Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education at Morehead State University by Jenna K. Walton on March 23, 2026.

Literacy And Equity: Exploring Teachers’ Lived Experiences Of Georgia Black Boys’ Difficulties With Reading Comprehension And Word Recognition, Roselle M. Caruth

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data shows that since 1992, Black male students in Georgia’s fourth through eighth grades have consistently scored low on reading assessments (The Nation’s Report Card, 2022c). Low reading achievement contributes to a persistent underachievement gap for Black boys, leading to unfavorable academic outcomes such as difficulty in phonological processing, limited fluency and comprehension, slow development of linguistic skills, lower proficiency in basic reading, and higher rates of high school dropout (Russell & Drake Shiffler, 2019; Tatum, 2024a; Washington et al., 2019). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how teachers …

Bridging The Gap: Early Childhood Reading Instruction Grounded In The Science Of Reading, Delilah A. Davis Gonzales, Ingrid Haynes Ph.D.

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

The Science of Reading (SoR) has become central to literacy research and practice, yet many early childhood classrooms struggle to integrate its principles in developmentally appropriate ways. Recent advances in cognitive science, culturally relevant pedagogy, and digital literacy highlight the need for instructional approaches that bridge research and practice. This manuscript examines how the five core components of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—can be meaningfully implemented in early childhood education through structured literacy practices that remain play-based and culturally sustaining. A qualitative, illustrative approach is used, drawing from classroom-based case examples, professional observations, and current research. These examples …

The Transformative Power Of Concepts Of Print: Connecting Theory, Practice, And Professional Development To Advance Early Literacy, Cheryl R. Couch

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

Abstract Many kindergarten students continue to enter school below literacy readiness benchmarks, notably lacking Concepts of Print skills despite decades of research affirming their role as predictors of later reading achievement (Economic Policy Institute, 2015; Justice & Ezell, 2001; Justice & Sofka, 2010; National Survey of Children’s Health, 2022). Concepts of Print provide the foundation for children’s understanding of how print works, laying the groundwork for decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension (Lentsch, 2018; Moats, 2023a; National Research Council, 2000). This mixed-methods historical reflective report examines explicit Concepts of Print instruction through two cases: archival records from a 2003–2004 kindergarten classroom …

Using Paired Queer Literature To Foster Critical Literacy And Intersectionality, Ferial Pearson, Jennifer L. Lemke

Journal of Curriculum, Teaching, Learning and Leadership in Education

This article explores the use of paired queer literature as a tool for fostering critical literacy and intersectional understanding in K–12 educational settings. Grounded in the belief that literature should serve as both a mirror and a window for students (Bishop, 1990), the paper argues for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives to challenge dominant heteronormative frameworks that pervade U.S. school culture. By pairing texts that reflect diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and intersecting social identities, educators can cultivate inclusive classrooms that affirm all students’ experiences. The paper provides a framework for selecting high-quality, developmentally appropriate LGBTQ+ texts across grade levels …

Evaluating The Impact Of A Lend-Based Family Mentorship Program For Pre-Service Professionals, Matthew Bogenschutz, Sarah Lineberry, Jackie Robinson Brock, Flip Grey, Kathryn Flinn

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Family-led pre-professional mentoring programs have been shown in past literature to have multiple positive outcomes, including better provider communication, increased sensitivity to the needs and contributions of family members in clinical settings, and better understanding of disability policy contexts among professionals. Yet there have been relatively few examples of exemplary programs that have developed successful models for family mentoring of pre-service professionals. Using qualitative evaluative data from one such program, a component of a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, this study shares the experiences of both families and trainees. Common themes shared between these two groups …

Leading With Dignity: Addressing Occupational Stigma Through Inclusive Leadership Practices In Early Childhood Education, Elizabeth Terry

Doctorate in Education

Early childhood education (ECE) leaders navigate a historically undervalued and stigmatized profession, facing unique challenges in advocating for workforce recognition. This study examined how ECE leaders enact inclusive leadership practices despite systemic constraints. By exploring leaders' experiences across diverse organizational contexts, this research contributes to understanding professional dignity and leadership in caring professions. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with six early childhood leaders across diverse organizational contexts in Western Washington. Through thematic analysis, five themes emerged: (a) advocacy as an integrated leadership identity, (b) confronting occupational stigma and professional invisibility, (c) relational leadership practices as a foundation for inclusion, …

Early Childhood Echo (Ec Echo) Start-Up & Operations Manual, Lisa Long, I. Michelle Gaither, Ruby Brenner, Bradley Long, Emily Mcclelland, Malcolm Huell, Lauren Elliott, Katerina Sergi

Publications

The Early Childhood ECHO (EC ECHO) Start-up & Operations Manual is a practical guide to launching case-based telementoring and professional development using the Project ECHO® model. Prepared for early childhood programs and agencies. Adapted from Mississippi’s EC ECHO implementation (2023–2025) and aligned with Project ECHO® guidance.

How To Design A State Child And Dependent Care Tax Credit That Works, Gabrielle Pepin

Reports

High care costs for children and older adults put an increasing strain on American families, often pushing caregivers out of the workforce. While investments in affordable care deliver lasting benefits for families, employers, and the economy, the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) falls short—leaving states well positioned to make a difference. This Policy Blueprint highlights three ways the CDCTC fails families, and three solutions for designing a state tax credit that can help.

3-5 Years Vroom Tips Based Booklet Akuhdp & Akuied, Taiba Yar Baig, Hira Ali, Seema Lasi, Yasmeen Mehboob

Books

• Inspired by vroom
• The Aga Khan University
• AKRSP
• Aga Khan Foundation

0-3 Years Vroom Tips Based Booklet Akuhdp & Akuied, Taiba Yar Baig, Seema Lasi, Yasmeen Mehboob, Khush Funer

Books

• Inspired by vroom
• The Aga Khan University
• AKRSP
• Aga Khan Foundation

Impact Of Femalized Kinesthetic Learning Model On African American Middle School Girls’ Career Interest, Mercy F. Fash, Andrea Ofori-Boadu

Journal of Global Education and Research

Engaging African American middle school girls in out-of-school-time (OST) Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) programs can boost interest in male-dominated AEC careers. This study adopts Lent’s Social Cognitive Career Theory to evaluate the impact of an OST feminized AEC kinesthetic learning model (fAEC-KLM) on the career interests of this demographic. Through a qualitative research approach, fourteen (14) African American middle school girls from Guilford County, NC, completed pre- and post-interviews on how fAEC-KLM interactions influenced their AEC career interests. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out on transcribed interviews. Results show that effective components, such as lectures on AEC, bridge construction …

Parents’ Lived Experiences With Competitive Integrated Employment For Children With Intellectual And Developmental Disability, Dr. Aisha J. Omar

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

This phenomenological qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Kentucky parents seeking Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Guided by the research questions—How do parents experience this process, and what barriers or supports do they encounter?—the study highlights systemic challenges despite legislative efforts such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In-depth interviews with five parents revealed three themes: (a) parental transformation and the pursuit of meaningful work, (b) systemic challenges in accessing CIE, and (c) overcoming protective instincts: navigating fear, independence, and self-advocacy. Findings suggest a …