Our Institute aspires to leverage the expertise of participating BU entities — such as research labs and centers focused on young children, and academic departments — to shape and support research and practice that improves the lives of young children and their families.
This page provides details about innovative practices in the early childhood field by members of the Institute. Please use the links or contact info provided if you would like to learn more.
Master of Arts in Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy for Early Childhood
Offered at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, this program prepares early childhood-focused professionals — clinicians, advocates, policy-makers, administrators, researchers, and educators — to work with and on behalf of young children (birth to 8 years) and families across a range of sectors and disciplines.
Institute Affiliate: Ellie Friedland
SPARK Program (Supporting Parents and Resilient Kids)
SPARK is a program of BMC’s Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics devoted to providing easily accessible specialty care services and culturally-responsive behavioral health care to young children and their families.
Institute Affiliate: Martha Vibbert
CEIPA, Program for Child Laborers
The Ecumenical Center for Integrated Pastoral Ministry (Spanish acronym CEIPA) receives consultation and professional development in Guatemala for educators and human rights workers, including CEIPA’s alternative elementary and secondary education programs, and training in Theatre of the Oppressed.
Institute Affiliate: Ellie Friedland
Integration of Drama and Movement Across the Curriculum
Wheelock curriculum integrates drama and movement across the curriculum, including Theatre of the Oppressed — an interactive political theatre practice based on Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed — throughout work with college students, educators, and children.
Institute Affiliate: Ellie Friedland