University of Louisville Early Childhood Research Center

What does meaningful play actually look like in children’s everyday lives? And why does it matter?

In her new Porch Play Chat with the International Play Association, Michele Pullen shares her perspective on how play supports children’s social connection, independence, and overall development.

Michele highlights the role of everyday environments like homes, schools, and community spaces in creating opportunities for authentic, child-led play.

If you’re interested in how small shifts in adult support and environment can make a big impact, this conversation is worth a watch!

🎥 Watch the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cf78_qAJg8

Hi friends! The ECRC wants to invite you to explore “Cardinal Corner,” another recurring column written by our own Michele Pullen! ❤️

This column is featured in "The Link: Child Nutrition Newsletter", published by Our Daily Bread CACFP , and provides a dedicated space for highlighting early childhood thoughts, news, and celebrations—bringing together research-informed updates, practical classroom strategies, and real questions from the field. From navigating classroom transitions to staying current on CDA updates, each issue offers something meaningful you can bring into your daily work.

You can read the latest issue (and explore more!) here:
https://www.odbcacfp.org/resources/the-link-child-nutrition-newsletter/

Take a few minutes to dive in and discover a new idea to try this week! ✨

Michele Hemenway Pullen’s recurring column in magazine is back with the latest issue, available now!

📰 Out now: “Birthday Cakes, BJ’s Kids, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ‘History Months’ in Early Childhood” Reflect with us on the legacy of educator BJ Richards and how early childhood classrooms can meaningfully honor Dr. King’s life through action, celebration, and community.
Read the article here: https://hub.exchangepress.com/articles-on-demand/82029/

👀 Stay tuned: Michele's next column will highlight a UofL student who created a children’s book about incarcerated parents and discuss the impact that work can have in classrooms.

We’re excited to share that Michele Pullen will be presenting at the Early Childhood Workforce Summit, hosted by the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood in Lexington, beginning tomorrow, March 10.

Her session, “Builders and Barriers to Capacity: Tools for Retention and Joy in Our Work,” draws on more than 30 years of experience working with teachers, administrators, and families. Michele will share five key behaviors that can either build or hinder the capacity needed to support strong relationships in early childhood settings.

Please join us in celebrating Michele and the continued efforts to strengthen and support the early childhood workforce across Kentucky.

The College of Education and Human Development is hosting the Community Across the Lifespan: Scholarship, Partnership, and Impact symposium on Friday, April 3, and we’d love to see strong early childhood representation there!

🗓 Symposium
🕐 1:00 p.m.
📍 College of Business
💲 Complimentary

This multi-activity event celebrates 2025 Alumni Fellow Felicia Cumings Smith ’99, ’00 and explores family and lifespan engagement, community-based research design, and community-engaged scholarship.

🥂 Reception & Presentation
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 University Club, Ballroom
💲 $25/person (includes open bar)

Smith’s reception talk, “Investing in Community-Based Scholarship,” will highlight the National Center for Families Learning as a model for community-engaged work.

🔗 Check the comments for the link to register by March 27.

Let’s show up and support scholarship that strengthens families and communities across the lifespan!

In just two weeks, some of our Cardinal crew will be heading to Reggio Emilia, Italy! 🇮🇹❤️

Dr. Jon Lee, Dr. Jill Jacobi-Vessels, and Dr. Katherine Jordan of the ECRC will lead this year’s Global Learning Experience cohort in stepping into the schools and civic spaces that shaped the Reggio Emilia Approach®.

This isn’t a sightseeing trip. It’s a three-credit course built around conversation, reflection, and studying early childhood education right where it lives. It's a tradition that embodies ECRC's mission to build connections and impacts that stretch well beyond our own classrooms and communities.

Join us in wishing our travelers safe travels and meaningful learning from March 10–20 ✨ We can’t wait to hear what they bring back!

P.S. Keep an eye out for a certain Cardinal making his way through Italy…

We’re proud to share that our director, Dr. Jon Lee, has been invited to deliver the keynote and lead multiple workshops at the 2026 Early Childhood Special Education State Meeting hosted by the Colorado Department of Education.

Dr. Lee’s work centers on how small, intentional shifts in communication can create meaningful change, strengthening relationships, supporting growth, and empowering educators and leaders across early childhood systems.

Opportunities like this reflect the growing reach of the ECRC and the impact of the connections we’re building beyond our region. We’re excited to see this work continue to travel, connect, and make a difference. 💙

The Early Childhood Research Center (ECRC) is proud to partner with Child Care Aware of Kentucky for the Jefferson Director’s Summit on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Together, we helped plan a day focused on connection, leadership, and practical support for child care directors, owners, and administrators. Be sure to stop by our table and say hello! Our team is excited to explore helpful resources, share ideas, and connect with you about the work happening in child care programs across our community.

This partnership reflects what matters to us—working side by side to support leaders, strengthen programs, and help ensure high-quality child care for children and families. 💛

Haven't registered yet? Check out Child Care Aware of Kentucky - Jefferson Region's page for more details!

Play is a right — and it’s at the center of the upcoming International Play Association Virtual Conference! 🌈

With 49 sessions exploring play in nature, classrooms, and communities, this global gathering brings educators and advocates together to reimagine early childhood learning.

We’re especially excited to see long-time ECRC collaborator Michele Pullen present “Ready for Me: Changing the Narrative about Going to Kindergarten” live on Friday, February 20. 🎈

Sessions are recorded and available through 2026. Register now at the link below!
https://2026ipausaonlineandondemand.sched.com/

Big news! 🎉

Michele Hemenway Pullen has just launched a monthly column in magazine, highlighting stories of justice, community, and hope in early childhood education.

📰 Out now: “Honeycombs, Muhammad Ali and Beloved Community Helpers in Early Childhood Classrooms”- Check it out at https://hub.exchangepress.com/articles-on-demand/75683/

👋 Stay tuned: February’s column spotlights a former UofL student now teaching first grade—and the powerful work happening in their classroom!

Need help with your research? Stop by the CEHD Pop-Up next week at the ECRC and grab some free snacks while our university librarians provide valuable tips and insights!

🗓 When: Thursday, Oct. 23 | 12–1 PM
📍 Where: Early Childhood Research Center, Porter Bldg, Room 120
📧 Questions? Contact: [email protected]

Don’t miss this chance to make your research process easier and more efficient!