This dissertation portfolio is comprised of three first-authored pieces of writing that investigate the oral language and emergent literacy development of Spanish-speaking children with specific language impairment (SLI). Each piece features a unique but complementary aim. The first study investigates group differences on a battery of emergent…

The influences of child participation in interest-based learning activities on the development of 17 preschoolers with autism was the focus of this brief report. The children's mothers identified their children's interests and the everyday family and community activities that provided opportunities for interest-based learning. Parents then…

Research Findings: Little is known about how parents approach preschoolers' mathematics learning and how this aligns with early mathematics education research and policy. This study examined these questions by contrasting parents' approaches to early mathematics and language and by exploring key themes in parents' talk about mathematics learning…

Teachers of very young children have the awesome task of providing rich information and experiences that build skills and understanding in the context of every day routines and within intentionally-designed play opportunities that capture children's interests, wonder and curiosity so they want to know more. Pennsylvania's learning standards join…

Conversations of nine preschool children were tape recorded as they traveled home from school. Analysis indicated that, overall, the children spoke most often about the here and now. Most references to the past or to school projects occurred during the first five minutes of travel. References to future events occurred more often during the latter…

Noting that the protective factors that support positive child development despite adversity are becoming better understood, this workbook discusses the importance of encouraging resilience in preschool children living in challenging circumstances and shows how to evaluate resilience through the use of checklists and background information. The…