Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch

Jennifer LoCasale-Crouch, Ph.D., is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Virginia's Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). She received her Bachelor and Master degrees in Social Work from Florida State University and Ph.D. in Risk and Prevention in Education Science from the University of Virginia. Dr. LoCasale-Crouch conducts research on the supports and systems that influence children during their early school experiences, and how we can best enhance those experiences to support children’s development. Her areas of expertise in which she has authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts include identifying adult beliefs, skills and behaviors that support children’s social and academic outcomes, professional development that enables caregivers to engage in more effective interactions, and effective transition planning in early childhood, particularly for children at-risk of having school difficulties. She has extensive experience in the design and implementation of studies in early childhood settings across varying cultural and geographic contexts and managing large teams of research staff. She also has a strong track record of dissemination for both research and practice audiences.