Francisco Palermo , PhD

Francisco Palermo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science and a member of the Center for Family Policy and Research (CFPR). His research examines how children and families navigate adversity and the factors that promote healthy development, school readiness, and resilience. He studies family and early learning environments that support young children’s language, literacy, self-regulation, and socioemotional development, with particular attention to children developing two languages.

A central focus of his work is translating developmental science into practice and policy. He collaborates with families, early childhood programs, Head Start, and state and community partners to develop and evaluate approaches that strengthen family and early learning environments. His CFPR work includes research and outreach focused on early childhood education, family support, language and literacy development, and the early childhood workforce. He has led and contributed to projects that inform professional development, early childhood programming, and state policy, with the goal of using research to strengthen systems that support children and families.

Research

• Research Lab Website Supporting Healthy Development, School Readiness, and Resilience Lab

Areas of expertise

• Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning

Research Summary

Supporting healthy development and school readiness for children facing language and socioeconomic challenges.