Sample projects
Richmond Early Reading First
The first Early Reading First grant awarded in Virginia, this project creates a comprehensive, model early childhood literacy program at VCU Head Start, with summer transition to kindergarten in Richmond Public Schools. This program promotes preschoolers’ successful transition to kindergarten with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for optimal reading development. This program uses instructional strategies and curricula selected from scientifically based reading research, focused staff development, enriched literacy environments and family literacy activities.
- Our partners
Head Start Partners (Friends Association, North Richmond YMCA, Sacred Heart Center, VCU Child Development Center, William Byrd Community House and the YWCA), Richmond Public Schools and Virginia Literacy Institute
- Our faculty
Dr. Joan Rhodes (School of Education, teaching and learning), Dr. Evelyn Reed-Victor (School of Education, special education) and Phyllis Grooms-Gordon (School of Social Work)
- Funding agency
U.S. Department of Education
Behavioral Challenges – Tools for Change
As part of the VCU Community Solutions mini-grant process, our interdisciplinary team, which includes occupational therapy students, addresses an identified Head Start need for the support of children with special behavioral challenges and their teachers. The focus is on learning more about the relationship between classroom environment and the learning needs of children with behavioral challenges.
- Our partners
VCU Head Start
- Our faculty
Deanna McGuire Buck (Partnership for People with Disabilities) and Dr. Dianne Koontz-Lowman (School of Allied Health Professions, occupational therapy)
- Funding agency
Jesse Ball duPont Fund
- Our partners
Greater Richmond Early Childhood Development Coalition, Petersburg Alliance for Children and Families
- Our faculty
Deanna McGuire Buck (School of Education) and Mary Lynn White (Partnership for People with Disabilities)
- Funding agency
Virginia Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Fund (grant proposal submitted)
Inclusive Child Care
The Early Childhood Development initiative provides faculty expertise and student support through service learning and action research activities to continue the Inclusive Child Care component for children with disabilities.