معرفی
Kate Speirs, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and an Associate State Specialist for Early Childhood at the University of Arizona’s Norton School of Human Ecology. She holds affiliations with the Cooperative Extension and focuses on early care and education as settings for health promotion and obesity prevention in young children. Her work bridges research, program development, and outreach, emphasizing collaborations with child care providers, policymakers, and extension agents.
Her research explores feeding practices in child care, policy impacts on early childhood well-being, and innovative outreach methods like text messaging and technology-driven interventions. Current projects include Seed to Read, a literacy and healthy eating program for preschoolers, and a multi-state survey on Cooperative Extension’s role in supporting early care professionals. She also investigates barriers to federal nutrition program participation (CACFP) among family child care providers.
Dr. Speirs advocates for multidisciplinary teamwork and has developed resources such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential guide and podcasts for parental engagement. Her work highlights the intersection of policy, practice, and technology in addressing early childhood challenges.
Collaborations span institutions like the University of Illinois, Texas A&M, and Michigan State University, reflecting her commitment to systemic solutions. While no formal student advisees are listed, her projects often involve trainees and emerging researchers in qualitative methods and program evaluation.
Her offices are located in McClelland Park, and she actively contributes to the Norton School’s mission to enhance family well-being through education and innovation.
