Deborah Rooks-Ellis

Deborah Rooks-Ellis serves as an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at Coastal Carolina University's School of Education and Social Sciences, where she joined the faculty in 2022. Her academic career spans multiple roles in the early childhood field including educator, teacher of the visually impaired, and professional development provider.

Dr. Rooks-Ellis's research focuses on developmentally appropriate experiences for young children and families participating in early childhood services, with particular attention to pre-service preparation, professional development, and teacher well-being. She employs qualitative and mixed methods research approaches to examine critical issues including early interventionists' strategies for supporting families in vulnerable circumstances, implicit biases in family descriptions, and effective teacher practices within complex classroom environments.

Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on family-centered practices in early intervention, autism support in higher education settings, and sexuality education for families of children with disabilities. These works demonstrate her commitment to bridging research and practice in early childhood education.

Professionally, Rooks-Ellis serves as a technical assistant with the federally funded Early Childhood Personnel Center, supporting states in implementing comprehensive personnel development systems. She maintains active membership in the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Division of Early Childhood.

In the classroom, she teaches courses in child development, early childhood curriculum, and educational professionalism and ethics, bringing her extensive field experience to prepare future educators.

Outside academia, Dr. Rooks-Ellis enjoys outdoor activities including camping at state and national parks, hiking, and beach outings with her family. A noted Phish fan, she's often recognized by her distinctive donut socks.