I’m offering exciting research and field experiences through my Early Childhood Cognition and Emotions Lab (ECCEL) for Fall 2010. At the Early Childhood Cognition and Emotions Lab, we want to make sure that all children grow up in cognitive and emotional environments that support their flourishing. Children growing up poor face particular challenges, and supporting these children represents our top priority.
WCU students are an important part of the ECCEL Team. The ECCEL Team offers students an excellent chance to gain experience with clinical psychology, child development, issues of classism and racism, counseling, research, and the process of working with children, families, and schools. By participating in ECCEL, you can contribute to the community, develop key skills, and gain experiences that are important for jobs and graduate school. I am offering two opportunities for students for Fall 2010.
PSY448/449-J Field Experience in Psychology allows students to work with me to provide support for to children and parents in Head Start and affiliated preschools serving low-income families. Students receive training in current techniques for assessing and supporting children’s cognitive and emotional development. Students volunteer in Head Start classrooms to assist teachers with activities and provide extra attention for children who need it. This 3-credit course fulfills the Psych Group III requirement and the Diverse Communities requirement. It provides excellent experience for students interested in graduate school or career opportunities in clinical, abnormal, counseling, developmental, educational or school psychology, social work, or programs related to social policy, social justice, and prevention of psychological problems for children at risk.
PSY410 Research in Psychology allows students to work with me to conduct research on poverty and children’s cognitive and emotional development. Students receive training in research methods and ethics, and counseling tools. Students conduct interviews with parents and teachers, administer tasks that examine how children think and feel, and observe parents and children interacting with each other. Students also volunteer in Head Start classrooms to assist teachers with activities and provide extra attention for children who need it. This 3-credit course fulfills the Psych Group III requirement. It provides excellent experience for students interested in graduate school in psychology.
To take PSY448/449-J or PSY410 you must have one full day or two mornings or afternoons open each week to travel to Head Start preschools in the area to work with children and families, or you must have an hour free each day to conduct telephone interviews with parents, which can be arranged at times that are convenient for you. Consider being part of the ECCEL Team for Fall 2010! You will gain important experience in the field of psychology and make a difference for children and families in poverty. You will also become part of a team that has fun together and really bonds.
If you are interested in learning more, contact me at ebrown@wcupa.edu.
Thank you!
Ellie
Eleanor D. Brown, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Peoples Building Room 30
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3153
ebrown@wcupa.edu
