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Our Research Labs
Bridges in ECE: Partnerships & Data Lab (B-PAD) Lab
Bridging research, practice, and data to strengthen early childhood programs, family partnerships, and children’s learning experiences. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Shinyoung Jeon.
Families Later in Life (FILL) Lab
Exploring parent-child and sibling relationships across midlife and later adulthood, with a focus on how these relationships shape family health, well-being, and experiences of aging. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Megan Gilligan.
Power of Play Lab
Exploring how play supports the development of essential 21st-century skills in children, including the abilities they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen.
Self-Regulation and Motivation in Early Learning Lab
Investigating the developmental processes that shape children’s learning, school readiness, and long-term academic achievement. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Louis Manfra.
Skin Tone, Health, and Relationships Lab
Investigating how skin tone and complexion-related experiences shape health, well-being, and close relationships. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Antoinette Landor.
Sleep, Health, and Relationships (SHARE) Lab
Advancing health across the lifespan by examining how family relationships, sleep, and circadian rhythms interact to shape health and well-being. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Eunjin Tracy.
Supporting Healthy Development, School Readiness & Resilience Lab
Supporting healthy development and school readiness among children experiencing language and socioeconomic challenges. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Francisco Palermo.
Supporting Parents and Early Childhood Professionals Lab
Conducting research that translates evidence into practical tools, Extension programs, and policies that support parents, early childhood professionals, and young children. Click the link below to learn more about the Lab and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Aileen Garcia.
Our Programs and Services
Focus on Kids (FOK)
Supporting parents through separation with research-informed co-parent education designed to strengthen family relationships and promote positive outcomes for children. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Kale Monk or the FOK Program Director, Allene Gremaud.
Institute for Professional Development (IPD)
Supporting early childhood and school-age professionals through training and technical assistance focused on social-emotional development and effective preschool curricula. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Kathy Thornburg.
Missouri 4-H Youth Futures
Supporting youth in preparing for life after high school through mentorship, guidance, and opportunities that build postsecondary readiness. The Program also conducts research and evaluation to strengthen youth development initiatives and inform effective practices. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Kellie Seals.
Missouri Head Start Collaboration Office
Elevating Head Start as an integral partner in Missouri’s early childhood system through collaboration, research, practice, and policy. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Stacey Owsley Wright.
Recruit, Inspire, Support the Early Childhood Profession in Missouri (RISE-MO)
Strengthening Missouri’s child care workforce through education, career exploration, and professional services that support individuals at every stage of their career. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, contact our Program Manager, Elizabeth Ireland, or Dr. Aileen Garcia.
Rural Community Health Outreach Partnership
Supporting rural communities through health education, family resources, and community capacity-building services that strengthen families and promote community well-being. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, use the link below to contact Dr. Kale Monk.
SHOWME Healthy Relationships (SMHR)
Strengthening Missouri families by providing relationship education that builds skills, supports healthy connections, and promotes stronger relationships and family well-being. Click the link below to learn more about the Program and its work. To explore opportunities for collaboration, contact our Program Manager, Kara Duke, or Dr. Chelsea Garneau-Rosner.
Connect and Collaborate
Interested in learning more about our work or connecting with an expert?
Explore our research labs, programs, services, past projects, and research initiatives to discover the expertise and community work that align with your interests or needs. If you’re not sure who to contact, reach out to us. We’ll help connect you with the right expert and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.