PK CIRCLE Program

April 16, 2008

The Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Learning and Education (CIRCLE) at The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center (UTHHSC) is under the direction of Susan H. Landry, PhD and incorporates a large number of research and training staff and child development faculty. Currently the center is actively involved in numerous research, community programs and training activities related to the goal of promoting quality learning environments for young children.

A large research database on early childhood has been developed from numerous research programs supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD), foundations, and the UTHHSC. These include, longitudinal evaluations of environmental influences on children's development from infancy through elementary school age years. Research funded by NICHD and foundations has also funded the development and evaluation of parenting programs for infants and young children. These programs have resulted in several ongoing training and service programs in Texas including collaboration with the Mental Health Mental Retardation Early Childhood Intervention program staff and the development of a community based early childhood program with parent and childcare components. The center is particularly interested in using the knowledge gained from years of studying young children to help promote the goals of the Texas Statewide Early Childhood Initiative. This initiative is funded by the Texas Education Agency. With this new initiative, the following goals will be addressed by the CIRCLE staff:

• Establish a clearinghouse for quality program development, related scientific data, and resource material for early childhood programs.
• Serve as a base for improved teacher training in the area of early child development, including pre-literacy, social/behavioral competence, and parent involvement.
• Develop instruments for program evaluation

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