The Role of Research Practitioner Partnerships in Facilitating the Implementation of Quality Infant and Toddler Care

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Abstract

This session will explore the unique role of Research Practitioner Partnerships (RPPs) in facilitating research to improve infant/toddler care and to promote policy change. The science of brain development has established that infants/toddlers develop through responsive relationships with those responsible for their care. However, infant/toddler educators often have fewer preservice credentials, receive less pay, and have higher turnover rates than their counterparts who care for older children. Considering the critical importance of this developmental stage, improving the quality of infant/toddler care is paramount to the healthy development of children. It is essential for researchers and policymakers to work together to strengthen the infant/toddler workforce.

Through the lens of the New York City Early Childhood Research Network (Network), this conversation roundtable will provide a rich discussion between researchers and policymakers from various institutions working to improve infant/toddler care. The Network is a unique place-based RPP that builds relationships among researchers and policymakers who collaborate to generate actionable research. Research conducted through the Network is responsive to policymakers’ priorities and aligned with opportunities to affect policy change. Two researchers, Drs. Jeanne Reid and Jennifer Gilken, and a policymaker, Nina Piros, will discuss how the Network has facilitated implementation research to improve infant/toddler care in New York City (NYC). Sarah LeMoine, an early childhood professional with a range of experiences in infant/toddler care, will discuss research and policy collaboration at the national level. The discussion will be moderated by a researcher with experience leading the work of RPPs, Dr. Kate Tarrant.

Sub Unit

• School Readiness/Childcare

Moderator

• Kate Tarrant, City University of New York

Panelists

• Jeanne L. Reid, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Nina Piros, New York City Department of Education

• Jennifer Gilken, CUNY, Borough of Manhattan Community College

• Sarah LeMoine, Zero to Three - District of Columbia