The Institute for Child Development Research and Social Change at Indigo Cultural Center is a community-based research firm that specializes in action research and evaluation. The Institute is directed by Dr. Eva Marie Shivers. Our mission is to conduct rigorous policy-relevant research on early education and child development by partnering with community agencies and public administrators who are dedicated to improving the lives of children, especially those from low-income and marginalized communities.
Since 2007, we have honed a unique evaluation and research experience for government agencies, community-based organizations and other non-profit agencies seeking a range of professional services such as: basic child development and early education research, focus group facilitation, program evaluation, policy consultation, and training.
The Institute’s Activities
- Conduct rigorous, action-based research on early childhood development in partnership with community partners who serve low-income communities.
- Conduct evaluation and assessments of early childhood community-based programs.
- Create research partnerships with colleges and universities.
- Provide policy consultation on progressive national, state and local policies that address issues associated with racial disparities.
- Disseminate research to varied audiences: researchers, policy makers, early childhood practitioners and parents.
- Offer training in early childhood development for early childhood educators and community-based programs.
The Institute’s Research Topics
- Social and emotional development of young children in child care
- Attachment relationships in child care
- Family, Friend and Neighbor child care issues
- Culture, race and equity in child care
- Child care quality and culture
- Child care providers’ work and engagement with families
- Workforce development in early care and education
- Professional development initiatives in early care and education
Latest Updates:
Executive Summary: Digging Deeper: Decolonizing Our Understanding and Practices of Reflective Supervision through a Racial Equity Lens
To date, there is only a limited amount of literature and published workforce resources that explicitly focus on culture, diversity, and/or racial equity in the context of IECMH Reflective Supervision. Nevertheless, …
2022 Annual Report + A Message From Our Executive Director
From our Executive Director “This year, Indigo Cultural Center turns 16 years old. As a developmental psychologist, I can’t help but consider Indigo through the lens of human development and …
Digging Deeper Full Report: Decolonizing our Understanding and Practice of Reflective Supervision through a Racial Equity Lens (2022)
Digging Deeper: Decolonizing Our Understanding and Practices of Reflective Supervision through a Racial Equity Lens highlights and centers the voices, experiences, and feedback from members of our IECMH workforce who identify as Black, Indigenous or as persons of color (BIPOC).