Published on August 04, 2020

Madison Bailey Named Trawick-Smith Scholar

Madison Bailey has been named the third recipient of the Jeffrey and Nancy Trawick-Smith Early Childhood Undergraduate Research Award. The award is designed to support students who are conducting scientific, empirical studies on young children within the Center for Early Childhood Education that “will yield practical knowledge in early education and development and, thus, promote the well-being of young children and their families.” The fund was created by the Trawick-Smiths to provide opportunities for undergraduates to gain research knowledge and skills by assisting with research and travel expenses to present at national conferences.

Bailey, a senior majoring in theatre and early childhood education, will use the award to conduct an ethnographic study on effective teaching strategies to support play by children with sensory disabilities. With support from with her mentor, Dr. Sudha Swaminathan, Bailey will conduct video interviews with practicing teachers about the strategies they use to support children with sensory needs. Her goal is to determine techniques, interventions, assistive technology, and tactile manipulatives that support preschoolers’ play and helps them become more independent.