Catherine Patricia Corr is an Associate Professor in the departments of Special Education and Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on early childhood special education (ECSE) services for children with disabilities affected by trauma, maltreatment, or neglect. She also explores mixed methods research (MMR) methodologies to enhance evidence-based practices in special education. Dr. Corr’s work aims to improve service accessibility, system efficiency, and professional support for ECSE practitioners. Her research interests include trauma-informed care, systemic service delivery improvements, and rigorous MMR design. Notable contributions include studies on the Pyramid Model, Head Start teacher perceptions, and factors influencing special education referrals for maltreated children. Dr. Corr has received the MMIRA Early Career Award (2024) and contributed to media discussions on Illinois legislation enhancing early childhood disability services. Her publications span Early Childhood Education Journal , Topics in Early Childhood Special Education , and related journals. Her scholarship bridges research and practice, addressing both child/family needs and educator training gaps. Current projects emphasize scalable interventions and policy-informed solutions for vulnerable populations in early education systems.







