Coaching And Mentoring for Preschool (CAMP) Quality

Principal Investigator: Dr. Betty Zan
Funding Source: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (a Head Start/University Partnership Grant)

Purpose: To improve the academic, social and emotional outcomes of Head Start children through addressing teacher behaviors and strategies that have been shown by research to be associated with gains in children's language development, academic performance and social & emotional development.

Improving Science Instruction in Preschool Classrooms

Principal Investigator: Dr. Betty Zan
Funding Source: Iowa math and Science Education Partnership

Purpose:To create a collaboration among early childhood education and science education faculty from the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University to improve science education for young children in Iowa..

Quality in Action

Principal Investigator: Dr. Betty Zan & Ms. Rosemary Geiken
Funding Source: Iowa Department of Management, Office of Empowerment

Purpose: To develop video and web-based resources that illustrates the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standard (IQPPS) and the Iowa Early Learning Standards (IELS) and how they can be used in professional development efforts across the state.

Ramps and Pathways: A Constructivist Approach to Physical Science

Principal Investigator: Dr. Betty Zan
Funding Source: National Science Foundation, DRK-12 grant

Purpose: To develop an approach to physical science curriculum for young children (pre-K though grade 2) that will result in improved science achievement, particularly among minority children and children from lo-income backgrounds.