Hi Everyone, I am so pleased that SRCD has set this up. My name is Iheoma Iruka and I serve as the research officer and director of the research unit at HighScope. HighScope is a research-practice organization know for one of the oldest early intervention -- Perry Preschool. As a developmental psychologist, my focus is on how research can be used to guide effective and culturally-informed practices and policies, especially for marginalized communities. I think it is important to understand how COVID-19 is impacting children's learning and development, as well as families' economic stability and mental health. However, we need research that can shed light on policy implications. What can developmental science research tell us about policies needed to effectively support the optimal development and health of children and families, especially during a global pandemic? For example, are there subgroups of children and families that should be prioritized and supported before calamities like COVID-19 become reality? What are the necessary ingredients for resilience and optimal health, and what policies and systems need to be in place to ensure these outcomes? These are critical information to guide us during and after COVID-19.
Look forward to hearing your thoughts. In health and wellness...
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Dr. Iheoma U. Iruka
HighScope Educational Research Foundation
iiruka@highscope.org------------------------------