Dr. Carr, Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education at the University of Cincinnati, is Director of the Arlitt Child and Family Research and Education Center. She is the Executive Director for the Arlitt Head Start program and Executive Producer for Arlitt Instructional Media. She has generated over $8M in funding related to early childhood education, with a current focus on Nature and Children in collaboration with the Cincinnati Nature Center, particularly with regard to The Nature Playscape Initiative. Her current research, funded by the National Science Foundation, studies how children learn about science through play in designed outdoor environments. Research studies in Head Start include teacher-child interactions and curriculum based assessment. She has worked with the Campbell Conservancy, United Way’s Success by 6®, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Milestones, Inc. Therapeutic Horseback Riding program, and the Ohio Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Leaning and Behavioral Disorders, Master’s Degree in Gifted Education, and Doctorate in Early Childhood Special Education with over 25 years experience in Kentucky, Florida, and Ohio as a practitioner and consultant in these fields. Dr. Carr has published and presented papers with regard to nature and children, challenging behaviors, assessment, and other related topics. Her co-authored book, Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Settings: Creating a Place for All Children is currently in its second printing. Its companion text, Addressing Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Settings: A Teachers Guidewas released in 2010.
Publications
Peer-reviewed Publications
LaMontagne, M., Johnson, L. J., Kilgo, J. L., Stayton, V., Carr, V., Bauer, A. M., & Carpenter, J. (2002). Unified early childhood personnel preparation programs: perceptions from the field Teacher Education and Special Education, 25 (3), 236, 246
Carr, V.W., Johnson, L.J., & Corkwell, C. (2009). Principle-centered leadership in early childhood education Dimensions of Early Childhood, 37 (3), 25-32
Moomaw, S., Carr, V., Boat, M., Barnett, D. (2010). Preschoolers’ number sense. NCTM's Teaching Children Mathematics, 16 (6), 332-340
Boat, M.B., Carr, V.W., Barnett, D., Macmann, G., Moomaw, S., Pan, W., & Nichols, A. (2009). Instructional change in preschool classrooms: A study of empirically-based teacher support. NHSA Dialog, 12 (4), 307-326
Boat, M.B., Carr, V.W., Barnett, D., Macmann, G., Moomaw, S., Pan, W., & Nichols, A. (2009). Improving Instruction in Head Start Preschool Classrooms through Feedback and Support to Teachers. NHSA Dialog, 12 (4), 347-353
Plevyak, L., & Carr, V. (2011). Science and young children: Integrating investigation into everyday experiences Every Child, 17 (3), 32
Published Books
Bell, S. H., Carr, V. W., Denno, D., Johnson, L. J., & Phillips, L. R. (2004). Challenging behaviors in early childhood settings: creating a place for all children Baltimore. Paul H. Brookes Co-Author
Denno, D.M., Carr, V.W., & Bell, S. (2010). Addressing challenging behavior in early childhood settings: A teachers guide. Baltimore. Paul H. Brookes Co-Author
Book Chapters
Chiu, P., & Carr, V. (2007). Brain development, learning, and teaching. In V. Carr (Eds), Ohio standards of practice for early childhood Columbus, OH
Harte, H., Carr, V., & Moomaw, S. (2007). Creating a rich learning environment. In V. Carr (Eds), Ohio standards of practice for early childhood Columbus, OH
Carr, V. (2007). ODE themes and conceptual framework. In V. Carr (Eds), Ohio standards of practice for early childhood Columbus, OH
Carr, V. (2007). Reponsive guidance and practice. In V. Carr (Eds), Ohio standards of practice for early childhood Columbus, OH
Wright-Myers, M., & Carr, V. (2007). Systems of assessment. In V. Carr (Eds), Ohio standards of practice for early childhood Columbus, OH
Miller, P., Bauer, A., Plevyak, L., Carr, V., Johnson, L., & Fong, L. (2002). Characteristics of faculty members in personnel preparation programs. In V.D. Stayon; P.S. Miller; L.A. Dinnebeil (Eds), DEC personnel preparation in early childhood education: implementing the DEC recommended practices (pp.139-159).
Johnson, L., Karnes, M., & Carr, V. (1997). Children with gifts and disabilities. In N. Colangelo; G.A. Davis (Eds), Handbook for gifted Needham Heights, MA
Johnson, L., & Carr, V. (1996). Curriculum in early childhood: Moving toward inclusive specialization. In M.C. Pugach;C. Wargner (Eds), Curriculum trends, special education, and reform New York, NY
Bauer, A. M., Johnson, L. J., Ulrich, M., Denno, D. M., & Carr, V. W. (1998). A history of working with and for children.. In J. Johnson, M. J. LaMontagne, P. M. Elgas, & A. M. Bauer (Eds), Early Childhood Education Blending Theory, Blending Practice. Baltimore
Invited Publications
Carr, V.W. (2008). Helping children with disabilities access the early childhood curriculum. .
Resources For Early Childhood Best Practices Brief.Carr, V., & Boat, M. (2007). Teachers’ training and support for teachers to promote child outcomes.. Administration For Children and Families Consortium For Outcomes Research
Presentations
Invited Presentations
Boat, M. B., & Carr, V. W. (2009). Teaching strategies to improve outcomes in inclusive preschools National Head Start National Training Conference, Orlando, FL.
Carr, V. W. & Eldridge, J. (2009). Nature studies and young children: From research to practice Ohio Association for the Education of young children, Columbus, OH. .
Carr, V. W. (2009). Challenging behavior and young children Mason City Schools, Mason, OH.
Moomaw, S. C., Carr, V. W., & Boat, M. B. (2009). Measuring number sense in children with and without disabilities Council for Exceptional Children, Seattle, WA.
Moomaw, S. C., Carr, V. W., & Boat, M. B. (2009). Measuring number sense in preschoolers. American Education Research Association
Johnson, H., Kloos, H., Brass, A., & Carr, V. W. (2009). Appreciating nature through inquiry or how kids learn Cincinnati Nature Center, Milford, OH.
Carr, V. W., Boat, M. B., & Moomaw, S. C. (2008). Developmentally and individually appropriate assessment: The Arlitt curriculum outcome measures for preschool National Association for the Education of Young Children, Dallax, TX.
Carr. V.W.;Boat, M.B.;Moomaw, S.C. (2008). Assessment and child outcomes: Technical adequacy of curriculum-based measures Head Start 9th Annual Research Conference, Washington, DC.
Carr, V.W.;Boat, M.B.;Moomaw, S.C. (2007). Finally! Developmentally and individually appropriate assessment: The Arlitt curriculum outcome measures for preschool National Association for the Education of Young Children, Chicago, IL.
Carr, V.C., & Boat, M.B. (2007). Eco-constructivism: A model for developmentally and individually appropriate practice ACEI Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Tampa, FL.
Boat, M.B., & Carr, V.C. (2007). Instructional and caring contacts in the inclusive early childhood classroom Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Annual Convention and Expo, Louisville, KY.
Carr, V.C., Boat, M.B., & Nichols, A. (2007). Accelerating learning outcomes: Instructional and caring contacts in the head start classroom NHSA 34th Annual training Conference, San Antonio, TX.
Carr, V. W., Boat, M. B., Barnett, D., Moomaw, S., Nicols, A., Schneegold, J., & Pan, W. (2006). Child assessments and outcomes: Head start child outcomes research (CORS) consortium Head Start Research Conference, Washington, DC.
Carr, V. W., & Boat, M. B. (2006). Accelerating learning outcomes: Curriculum-based measures and teacher instruction in the ECE classroom Invited presentation at the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency Head Start, Cincinnati, OH.
Carr, V. W. (2005). Ohio standards of practice for early childhood 3-5 Invited presentation to the Ohio Department of Education Early Childhood Conference, Columbus, OH.
Boat, M., Carr, V. W., Barnett, D., Disanto, J., Moomaw, S., & Nichols, A. (2005). A curriculum-based measurement: Promoting progress for ALL children in preschool 21st International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Portland, OR.
Boat, M. B., Carr, V. W., Barnett, D., DiSanto, J., Moomaw, S., & Nichols, A. (2005). Curriculum-based measures: Promoting progress for ALL preschool children International Conference of the Division of Early Childhood/Council for Exceptional Children (DEC), Portland, OR.
Carr, V. (2004). Child assessments and outcomes: Lessons from the Head Start Child Outcomes Research Support Consortium (CORS) Paper presented at the Head Start Research Conference Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C..
Carr, V. (2004). ACT II, Year 2: Improving outcomes for children Paper presented at the ACYF Semi-Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
Carr, V., & Boat, M. B. (2003). ACT II - Improving outcomes for head start children: ACTing - squared: Active curriculum training - accelerated child trajectories Paper presented at the Headstart Research Grant Project Directors Meeting and CORS Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C..
Carr, V. (2003). Curriculum-based measures and teacher instruction in the classroom Paper presented at the Division for Early Childhood Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C..
Carr, V. (2003). Improving outcomes for children: ACT II update Paper presented at the ACYF Semi-Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C..
Carr, V. (2003). National reporting system Paper presented at the C-HCCAA Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
Boat, M. B., Carr, V. W., & Nichols, A. (2003). Accelerating learning outcomes: Curriculum-based measures and teacher instruction in the ECE classroom Annual Meeting of the International Conference of the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, Washington, D.C..
Boat, MB & Carr, VW (2009). Curriculum-Based Measurement Teacher Education Division CEC, Charlotte, NC.
Luken, E. & Carr, VW (2010). Cities set for play: Spatial designs that support children’s activities The Association for the Study of Play, Atlanta, GA.
Carr, VW & Luken, E. (2011). Teachers’ Predict: What Do Children Learn About Science from Outdoor Play? The Association for the Study of Play, Rochester, NY.
Carr, VW (2011). Playscapes: A New Paradigm for Integrating Active Play and Learning Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.
Boat, MB & Carr, VW (2011). Universal Design: Creating Access to Quality Inclusive Preschool Classrooms Association for Childhood Education International, New Orleans, LA.
Carr, VW & Luken, E. (2011). Playscapes: A New Playground Paradigm 25th International Council for Children’s Play World Play Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
Paper Presentations
Carr, V. & Luken, E. (06-2010). Playscapes: A New Playground Paradigm. 25th International Council for Children’s Play World Play Conference, Lisbon, Portugal.
Luken, E. & Carr, V. (04-2010). Cities set for play: Spatial designs that support children’s activities . The Association for the Study of Play, Atlanta, GA.
Luken, E.; Carr, V.W. (03-2010). Natures Playground. Learning Through Play Conference, Cincinnati, OH.
Boat, M.B. & Carr, V.W. (10-2009). Curriculum-Based Measurement . Teacher Education Division Council for Exceptional Children, Charlotte, NC.
Carr, V.W. & Hopple, B. (07-2009). Want happier, healthier, smarter children?. Endeavor Learning Center
Boat, M.B. & Carr, V.W. (05-2009). Teaching Strategies to Improve Outcomes in Inclusive Preschools National Head Start . National Training Conference, Orlando, FL .
Carr, V.W. & Eldridge, J. (05-2009). “Nature Studies and Young Children: From Research to Practice.” . Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children, Columbus, OH.
Carr, V.W. (05-2009). “Challenging Behavior and Young Children.” . Mason City Schools, Mason, OH .
Moomaw, S.C., Carr, V.W., & Boat, M.B. (04-2009). Measuring Number Sense in Preschoolers with and without Disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children, Seattle, WA .
Johnson, H., Kloos, H., Brass, A., & Carr, V.W. (02-2009). Appreciating Nature through Inquiry or How Kids Learn. Cincinnati Nature Center, Milford, OH .
Carr. V.W. Boat, M.B., & Moomaw, S.C. (11-2008). Developmentally and Individually Appropriate Assessment: The Arlitt Curriculum Outcome Measures for . Preschool National Association for the Education of Young Children, Dallas, TX.
Carr. V.W. Boat, M.B., & Moomaw, S.C. (05-2008). Assessment and Child Outcomes: Technical Adequacy of Curriculum-Based Measures . Head Start 9th Annual Research Conference, Washington, DC.
Boat, M.B. & Carr, V.W. (04-2007). Instructional and Caring Contacts in the Inclusive Early Childhood Classroom. . Council for Exceptional Children, Louisville, KY.
Carr, V. W., Hudson, M., Phillips, L (06-2006). Ready to Learn: Supporting Mental Health Needs to Prepare for Kindergarten.. Ohio Head Start Association June Leadership and Professional Development Conference. , Mason, OH.
Poster Presentations
Carr, V. W., Boat, M. B., Henderson, D., & Mayfield, A. (12-2005). Stories of teaching Poster-presentation for NAECTE at NAEYC, Washington DC.
Honors & Awards
Research Support
- ( Author, Evaluator), O'Connor, C., Inquiry and Inspiration: It’s Natural for Teachers and Preschoolers , PNC Grow Up Great with Science. $249,606 . 2009 to 2011.
- (Co-PI), Hopple, W. & Carr, V., Playscapes, Downey . $150,000. 2009 to 2011.
- ( PI), Carr, V.W., Really Ready to Learn , PNC Grow Up Great. $134,950 . 2004 to 2007.
- (PI), Carr, V.W., Psychoanalytic Consultation to Schools: Strengthening Kindergarten Readiness Skills, Greater Cincinnati Foundation. $90,000. 2005 to 2007.
- ( PI), Carr, V.W., Building Quality: Curriculum, Assessment and Accountability, ODE Office of Early Learning and School Readiness. $760,000. 2004 to 2005.
- ( PI & Executive Director), Carr, V.W., Head Start Delegate, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. $786,000+ annual.
- (Principal Investigator), Carr, Victoria, PlayScapes: Designed Nature Environments to Promote Informal Science Learning, National Science Foundation. $330, 124. 2011 to 2013.
Experience & Service
Service
- University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Co-Chair, ECE Faculty Search Committee, 2007 to 2008
- Member, University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services ECLC Academic Director Search Committee, 2007 to 2008
- University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Representative, Teacher Education Graduate Council ECE, 2007 to 2008
- Committee Chair, University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Doctoral Committee, 2007 to 2008
- University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Senator, CECH Senate, 2007 to 2008
- University of Cincinnati, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Teacher Education Representative, Capital Campaign Committee, 2007 to 2008
- University of Cincinnati Senator, University Senate, 2007 to 2008
- University of Cincinnati Faculty Advisor, Equestrian Team, 2007 to 2008
- Vice President, Milestones, Inc., Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program 2007 to 2008
- United Way Success by Six Professional Development Advisory Board, 2007 to 2008
- Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children OAEYC Vice-President Elect, Executive Board, 2007 to 2008
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Reviewer, 2007 to 2008
- Interim ECE Program Coordinator
- Member, RPT Revision Committee,
Courses Taught
- 18-ECE-401 ACCOM/ADAPT IN ECE
- 18-ECE-402 FAMILIES IN ECE
- 18-ECE-400 DEV CONCERNS
- 18-ECE-495 STORIES OF TEACHING
- Romancing Nature with Young Children
Romancing Nature with Young Children - Working with Families in ECE
Working with Families in ECE