Westminster College Education Professors Present at Midwestern Early Childhood Institute
Posted on Friday, March 8, 2013
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Dr. Alison DuBois, Westminster College assistant professor of education and counseling, and Tina Keller, lecturer of education, presented research at the 2013 Midwestern Early Childhood Institute: A Community Approach to Early Learning in February at Grove City College. Four education students presented with the professors.
The Midwestern Early Childhood Institute featured a variety of sessions designed to support parents of young children and professionals working within early childhood education. Session strands included: Language, Literacy and Numeracy; Positive Behavior Support; Parents as Partners; Transitions: Entering and Exiting Preschool; and Differentiated Instruction.
"Making Connections: From the Early Brain to Families" was presented by DuBois and junior early childhood/special education majors Elizabeth Frambes and Megan Donaldson. They discussed neurobiological brain development in early childhood. Additionally they examined the importance of early attachment and the process of a child's social-emotional development, as well as, factors that can negatively impact early brain development, such as poverty and trauma.
DuBois, who joined the faculty in 2011, earned an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University, master's degree from Westminster College, and Ph.D. from Duquesne University.
Frambes is a daughter of Ted and Kristen Frambes of McMurray and a graduate of Peters Township High School.
Donaldson is a daughter of Mark and Jean Donaldson of Sharpsville and a graduate of Sharpsville High School.
"Exploring Global Children's Literature: Jumping Over the Potholes along the Yellow Brick Road" was presented by Keller; Allison Borts, a sophomore early childhood/special education major; and Danielle Aurandt, a junior music education major. They reviewed tools that can assist teachers in evaluating and selecting quality global children's literature. Examples of exceptional children's books were shared.
Keller, who joined the faculty in 2012, earned an undergraduate degree in elementary education from Messiah College and a master's in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in children's literature from Pennsylvania State University.
Aurandt is a daughter of David and Mary Aurandt of Greenville and a graduate of Commodore Perry High School.
Borts is a daughter of Russell and Denise Borts of Youngstown, Ohio, and a graduate of Boardman High School.
Contact Keller at (724) 946-6034 or email for additional information on the program.
More Stories
