Professor and Program Coordinator for Human Development and Family Science Program
Office: Ackerman Hall, 112B
Office Phone: 724-357-3872
Email Address: sarah.brown@iup.edu
Vitae
Degrees/Schools
BA in Psychology, Slippery Rock University
MA and PhD in Developmental Psychology, Arizona State University
Areas of Interest
My scholarship focuses on the development of young children. One area of my scholarship emphasizes the importance of play in early education settings. I have also presented research examining the diversity of young children. As the nation becomes more
diverse, it is of the utmost importance that early childhood teachers are aware of how to (1) recognize the unique qualities of young children; (2) include all children; (3) support the language development of diverse children; and (4) how to encourage
culturally diverse thinking in their classrooms. I also have been publishing and presenting research examining peer relationships. There is a growing body of research examining the correlates of bullying, and my research has studied some of these
timely questions.
Biography
I am committed to effective teaching and excellence. Student comments reveal that students enjoy how hands-on my classes are: “having us observe in the daycare really provides a first-hand experience”; and students notice that the course “related information
to real world situations.” As evident in these selected statements, students enjoy my classes and my teaching style: “the professor’s enthusiasm and attitude made the course material easier to remember as I was more likely to pay attention”; “you
‘TEACH’ way beyond most professors, it was a great semester having you as my teacher.”
I also enjoy service to the community. I am on the board of directors at the CARE (Child Advocacy and Relationship Enhancing) Center of Indiana County. This work is so vitally important for the Indiana community. We work hard to create a place where children
who are abused or neglected can tell their story. This work is also valuable to IUP as we have created new partnerships for students to volunteer and intern. Positive, productive partnerships with community centers are extremely important and I am
proud of my work in the Indiana community.
Courses Taught
- Child Development
- Observation and Assessment
- Early Care and Education
- Early Intervention
- Family and Community