Institute for Child Development Research & Social Change
A Community-Based Participatory Action Research Firm
The Institute for Child Development Research and Social Change at Indigo Cultural Center is a community-based research firm that specializes in action research and evaluation. The Institute is directed by Dr. Jayley Janssen.
Our mission is to conduct rigorous policy-relevant research on early education and child development by partnering with community agencies and public administrators who are dedicated to improving the lives of children, especially those who are racialized and who are from marginalized communities.
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We work to improve the lives of children.
Our Approach:
Since 2007, we have honed a unique evaluation and research experience for government agencies, community-based organizations and other non-profit agencies seeking a range of professional services.
We don’t utilize a one-size-fits all approach; tailor our activities to the communities being served.
Racial Equity and Healing Justice in Research and Evaluation
Our Research Team
Our research team has experience across early childhood care and infant and early childhood mental health. We hold interdisciplinary perspectives rooted in psychology, sociology, social work, and education. We work to balance quantitative approaches with qualitative methodologies to center the voices and the lived experiences of the children, families, and communities we serve.
Jayley Janssen, PhD
Ronae Matriano, MS
Ashley Mentz, MBA
Daria Best, MSW
The Institute's Activities
Basic Research
Conduct basic research on child development and early education
Consultation
Provide consultation for ongoing research and evaluation projects.
Focus Group Facilitation
Conduct focus group data collection with various participant types & utilizing affinity groups
Program Evaluation
Conduct evaluation and assessments of early childhood community-based programs.
Policy Consultation
Provide policy consultation on progressive national, state, and local policies that address issues associated with racial disparities
Secondary Data Analysis
Conduct advanced analysis utilizing secondary data sources.
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Training
Offer training in early childhood development for early childhood educators and community-based programs
Dissemination
Disseminate research to varied audiences: researchers, policy makers, early childhood practitioners and parents.
The Institute's Research Topics
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Social and emotional development of young children in child care
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Attachment relationships in child care
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Family, Friend and Neighbor child care issues
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Culture, race and equity in child care
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Child care quality and culture
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Child care providers’ work and engagement with families
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Workforce development in early care and education
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Professional development initiatives in early care and education
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Effectiveness of Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
Our Partnerships
We work with community partners across the country to evaluate programs supporting children and the children who care for them.
Current Partners:
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Past Partners:
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ASCC/CANDELEN
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MICHIGAN MPH
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SF IECMHC
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SMART SUPPORT ARIZONA
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JEWISH BOARD