A portrait of Dr. Thornburg.

Kathy Thornburg , PhD

  • Professor Emerita Human Development & Family Science
  • Director of the Institute for Professional Development Center for Family Policy and Research

Dr. Thornburg is working on an initiative that supports 25 Universities across the U.S. in the development of Early Childhood Policy certificates and graduate degrees. In addition, she arranges training for early childhood teachers and support staff in two curricula. The Emerging Language and Literacy Curriculum (ELLC) is a comprehensive curriculum for preschool-aged children. The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children is a strength-based system designed to promote the protective factors central to social and emotional health and resilience in young children.

Research

Areas of expertise

  • Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning

Research Summary

Supporting early childhood professionals through evidence-based training, literacy development, and social-emotional learning programs.