Resource Database

Center for Research on Children in the United States (CROCUS)

Description

From the website: The Center for Research on Children in the United States (CROCUS) was established in 2001 with start-up funds from the Foundation for Child Development. A joint venture between the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) and the Georgetown University Department of Psychology, CROCUS is directed by Professor William T. Gormley, University Professor and Associate Dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute, and Deborah A. Phillips, a prominent developmental psychologist and Chair of the Psychology Department at Georgetown. Several faculty members and graduate students are also active participants. Among its activities, CROCUS conducts research and organizes workshops on children and public policy. For example, CROCUS researchers have begun an investigation into the impact of universal pre-kindergarten programs in Oklahoma. Their hope is to study the effects of these programs on both cognitive and social development during the preschool and elementary school years. Other CROCUS projects include: an evaluation of the long-term effects of Head Start on crime, poverty, and high school dropout rates; a study of how young children responded to the terrorist attacks of September 11; an analysis of the effects of mini-vans and SUV’s on child fatalities; and an assessment of the impact of welfare reform on Head Start enrollments. One of the hallmarks of CROCUS is the emphasis it places on graduate education. By combining training in public policy analysis with coursework in developmental psychology, CROCUS offers an unusual educational program to students seeking careers at the intersection of developmental science and public policy. CROCUS also provides opportunities for students to acquire valuable research skills while working on projects involving children and public policy. William T. Gormley, Co-Director Deborah A. Phillips, Co-Director.

Topic(s): Advertising/Marketing, Cognitive Development & Learning, Legislation/Public Policy, Physical Health

User Type(s): Academic, Advocate, Journalist, Policymaker

Address

3520 Prospect St.
Georgetown Public Policy Institute
Georgetown University
Washington, District Of Columbia 20007

Contact Information

Phone(s): 202-687-3677
E-mail(s): (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
URL(s): http://www.crocus.georgetown.edu

Return to the main Resource Database page.