Ashley Karsten Email & Phone Number

Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

Kent County

Worked collaboratively to teach the undergraduate course, HDFS 321 “Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs” with a class size of 32 students.Grading and feedback on weekly assignments, presentations, and exams.Involved in the research and design of new course materials and lectures that support developmentally appropriate practices for preschool age children.Developed and refined oral presentation skills focused on research in language, literacy, social, and emotional skill during preschool

Assessed 45 children using the Preschool Early Language and Literacy Instrument (PELLI) and evaluated 4 classrooms using the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) using Great Start Readiness Program regulation standards. Attend monthly collaborative meetings with Early Childhood Specialists in Ingham County regarding the Program Quality Assessment. Asses and implement Federal and State rules pertaining to early childhood, including the GSRP Implementation Manual, DHS Licensing, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.Presented evidence-based research at 4 local and national conferences. Organized and presented a 2 hour professional development for Head Start teachers in Ingham County.Attended Great Start Collaborative meetings and work groups.

Lansing, Michigan Area

Developed an understanding of family-centered and strength-based services by working directly with culturally diverse families. Worked closely with the Special Education Coordinator to maintain child files, assessments, and develop reports.Organized 5 monthly informational parent workshops for the parents of children enrolled in Head Start. Collaborated with community agencies serving families and children.Evaluated classroom and program functions based on the Head Start Performance Standards.

Managed the research grant funded by the Institute for Education Sciences entitled “Development and validation of the Narrative Assessment Protocol (NAP).Experienced in grant writing and working directly with contractors. Participated in the development of a test of narrative development in collaboration with The Ohio State University, as well as, organized weekly project meetings between both sites. Supervised and trained a 15-member research team on the administration of standardized assessments of oral language, literacy, math, and self-regulation.Provided oversight of the grant budget for a two-site project.Developed extensive skills in data management, coding and analysis in multiple programs.

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Child Development

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Communication Sciences And Disorders, General