Developing and Administering an Early Childhood Education Program

Shauna M. Adams (Ed.D., Early Childhood and Special Education, University of Cincinnati) is a professor of early childhood at the University of Dayton (UD), where she also serves as the executive director of the Center for Early Learning. Dr. Adams has taught graduate and undergraduate students in such courses as child development, preschool methods and primary methods. She also teaches early childhood advocacy, research and leadership. In her role as executive director, Dr. Adams promotes opportunities for the Bombeck Family Learning Center to serve pre-service and in-service early childhood professionals as a demonstration school and forum for professional development. She also advocates for children and families by serving on local and state committees that support quality early care and education, and she serves UD's mission by supporting Catholic early childhood programming. Dr. Adams became immersed in early care and education through her work with the Bombeck Family Learning Center and has established partnerships with Head Start, public school preschool and other early childhood education programs. She also partners with a variety of agencies that support young children and families. She has worked with community partners to develop UD's online Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy programs. She is also the lead author of the ACCESS Curriculum series and has produced articles, conducted presentations, developed websites and pursued other outlets to share this curriculum with the field of early childhood education.