Project Description:
The central mission of the TRACE Center is to support the healthy development of infants and young children with disabilities through effective early diagnosis, assessment, and intervention. The TRACE Center will conduct evidence-based research on the use of effective early childhood assessment practices regarding child find, early identification, referral, and eligibility in early intervention; practical translations of research to influence government policy reform and professional practices will be a major focus of TRACE. TRACE researchers will collaborate with state and federal government officials to determine how standards and regulatory policies can enhance the use of effective early childhood assessments to identify young children with special needs and to better plan their programs and track their progress.
The newly established center, to be known as TRACE Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Assessment: (Tracking, Referral and Assessment) will unite researchers from the Puckett Institute (Asheville and Morganton, NC) with colleagues at The UCLID Center at the University of Pittsburgh and Children?s Hospital of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA), the Institute for Family-Centered Care (Bethesda, MD), the Family, Infant and Preschool Program (Morganton), and Mission St. Joseph?s Health System. Drs. Carl J. Dunst and Carol M. Trivette serve as co-directors of the TRACE Center. Dr. Stephen J. Bagnato, Professor of Pediatrics & Psychology and Director of the Early Childhood Partnerships program at UCLID is the director of the Pennsylvania TRACE satellite and research co-investigator. Dr. Bagnato?s satellite receives a $400,000 grant for the five-year research program.
The grant will enable national researchers to study and promote the use of the most beneficial practices for identifying and evaluating infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who have or are at-risk for disabilities or delays. They will also determine the best ways to match young children with disabilities and their families with appropriate supports through inclusive early care and education, early intervention, and early childhood special education programs.
