Future Child Development Research – Q&A with Barbara Hanna Wasik and Samuel Odom
We posed this question to Barbara Hanna Wasik and Samuel Odom, the co-editors of Celebrating 50 Years of Child Development Research, an essential new reference with a dozen expert contributors surveying the past, present, and future of early childhood research.
Q: Looking forward, what do you see as the most important area(s) of research for child development?
A: We see extending our knowledge of programs and conditions that promote the development and learning of vulnerable children and the welfare of their families continuing to be an important and primary theme for the future. Understanding how such programs can be responsive to the increased racial/ethnic/linguistic diversity in this country and the inclusion of children with disabilities will be at the forefront of future research efforts. Translating this research so it can be used for the preparation of a skilled workforce of teachers/care providers and can inform policymakers are clear tasks ahead.
Finally, incorporating the rapidly evolving sophistication of technology in our research and professional development and incorporating the lessons learned from implementation science should allow the field of child development to advance knowledge and enhance lives of children and families who are the most in need.
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