Amy Claessens

Amy Claessens is the Gulbrandsen Distinguished Chair in Early Childhood Education and Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Education. She serves as associate director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (CRECE) and is a core member of the Development and Research in Early Math Education (DREME) network. Her work focuses on how policies and programs influence young children’s development and learning opportunities, particularly in mathematics and early care systems.

Education:

• PhD in Human Development and Social Policy (Northwestern University, 2007)
• MA in Human Development and Social Policy (Northwestern University, 2006)
• BS in Social Policy (Northwestern University, 1998)

Research Interests: Claessens investigates the impact of educational policies (e.g., pre-K programs, child care subsidies) on child outcomes. She designs interventions to enhance early math learning in schools and homes, and examines systemic challenges in child care supply and workforce stability. Her work bridges developmental psychology, policy analysis, and equity-focused education reform.

Recent Focus: Her recent studies explore declining family child care supply in Wisconsin, the role of public pre-K in college enrollment, and the alignment of math instruction across early grades. These projects highlight intersections between policy, practice, and long-term child development.

Awards & Funding:

• Gulbrandsen Distinguished Chair (2023–present)
• Funding from Administration for Children and Families, W.T. Grant Foundation, and Heising-Simons Foundation

Advocacy & Partnerships: Claessens collaborates with state agencies (e.g., Wisconsin Department of Children and Families) to address child care market dynamics. She also leads national initiatives to strengthen early math education through parent-child interactions and curriculum design.

Labs/Teams: CRECE and DREME networks engage in applied research to translate findings into actionable strategies for policymakers and educators.