After raising four children and working as a substitute teacher at the University of Delaware’s Early Learning Center, I realized that my interest in advocating for quality, accessible early childhood education for all had grown to the point that graduate school was a logical and important next step for my career.

I am pursuing a master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). When I began my search for a master’s program, I knew I wanted to be in an environment where students are mentored and encouraged through a rigorous and challenging program, and that is what UD’s HDFS program offers.

As a former preschool teacher and Head Start center director, it was important for me to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Delaware where I could benefit from the guidance of faculty members engaging in important community-based research and other research with implications for early childhood policy and practice.

I came to the University of Delaware to pursue a Ph.D. in early childhood education after nearly twenty years of working in the field.  I was a teacher in early childhood special education. I have provided professional development supporting curriculum and assessment initiatives to a variety of early childhood programs across the country.

I first came to the University of Delaware Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) as a undergraduate. I took a class with Dr. Bahira Trask and my life changed forever. With wonderful advisement, professors and mentors that really invest in each of their student’s careers, HDFS is easily the best department on campus.

I chose to pursue a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware because I knew it was a well-regarded, research-focused institution. I conducted research for my thesis using secondary data collected from DIECC’s Professional Development trainings for Delaware childcare providers.

Pursuing an M.A. in Early Childhood Development and Programming positioned me well for a career in early childhood education; I feel so fortunate to have been taught by established faculty and encouraged by a supportive staff. My graduate experience was filled with courses based on extensive research-based practice.

I decided to pursue a Ph.D. because I always knew I wanted to be a professor and researcher. Having received my undergraduate degree from University of Delaware’s Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS), I was familiar with the quality of the program and the professors.