Kelli Barker

Kelli Barker serves as a Lecturer in the Human Development and Family Studies Department at Utah State University, where she also directs the Child Development Laboratory and co-directs the Adele and Dale Laboratory, managing daily operations.

Her educational background includes:

• Child Development studies at Utah State University (2008)
• Bachelor of Science in Family and Human Development from Utah State University (1997)

Her research and teaching focus on child development across infancy and childhood, with emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices for Head Start teachers, preschool curriculum design, and early childhood educator training. She integrates hands-on laboratory experience into her pedagogy.

She teaches core courses including Human Development Across the Lifespan (HDFS 1500), Infancy and Childhood (HDFS 3500), and Preschool Methods and Curriculum (HDFS 4550), alongside specialized labs for practical teaching experience.

As laboratory director, she oversees operational management and student training within university childcare facilities, providing real-world application for future educators.