Bridget Hamre

The purpose of this project is to validate a new outcomes-based approach to Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) and explore assumptions about the role of parental selection in early childhood programs. High quality early childhood education (ECE) programs can narrow school-readiness gaps, alter children’s life trajectories and yield substantial social returns. However, there is substantial variation in quality, both across and within early childhood sectors (e.g., licensed ch...

Research has shown that the quality of preschool teachers' interactions with their students contributes to children's school readiness. Teacher professional development interventions that support teachers' use of effective instructional practices may be one way to promote children's development of preacademic skills that are related to later school success .Few studies have systematically tested the effects of coursework on teacher-child interactions or child outcomes. The purpose of this...

Early career teachers working in low-income communities experience teacher attrition rates of nearly 50%. Two of the strongest predictors of attrition are teachers' classroom management skills and their ability to engage students in learning. In this study, the researchers will develop, refine, and test the feasibility of a professional development (PD) model for early career teachers working in poor urban communities. The PD model will target teachers' classroom management skills and abi...

The National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (NCRECE) focuses on conducting research, disseminating research findings, and carrying out leadership activities aimed at improving the quality of early childhood education across the United States. The Center is based at the University of Virginia and is directed by Robert Pianta. Major activities include: