DIEEC in the News

A Leader in Early Childhood Care and Education

Each April, the National Association for the Education of Young Children celebrates Week of the Young Child, recognizing the importance of high-quality early childhood care and education (ECE) and advocating for the professionals that make it possible. Rena Hallam, University of Delaware professor and interim dean of UD’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), ... Read more

Nominations for the DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards are now open!

The DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards are back for their 5th anniversary in 2026

DIEEC Leadership Board Member, Lori Hansen Named Teacher of the Year

DIEEC is proud to highlight the outstanding work of Lori Hansen, who was recently named the Indian River School District’s Early Learning Center 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. With nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, Lori brings a blend of expertise, joy, and commitment to her classroom. The feature article celebrates Lori’s ... Read more

CEHD centers partner with early childhood education providers to foster early literacy and host community events

In celebration of National Children’s Book Week from November 3 to 10, University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) engaged in several early literacy initiatives and events for children, families and early education providers across Delaware. The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) partnered with early care and education (ECE) ... Read more

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DIEEC’s Fourth Annual 1st State Family Child Care Conference

On Saturday, October 11, the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) welcomed family child care professionals from across Delaware to the fourth annual 1st State Family Child Care Conference. The conference was held on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus at the Clayton Hall Conference Center.

Focus on Wellness: PANO Funding Fosters Health for Children and Educators

DIEEC recently concluded a successful series of activities focused on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity prevention (PANO), funded by the PANO Program of the Delaware Division of Public Health. This initiative underscores a key DIEEC-wide priority: promoting the health and well-being of not only the children in early care and education settings, but also the ... Read more

Heidi Beck Honored as Hilltop Hero

The Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center in Wilmington, DE, celebrated its inaugural Hilltop Heroes gala on September 20. One of the honorees was our own Heidi Beck, a leader whose career has been shaped by her deep connection to the Hilltop community. Currently serving as director of New Directions Early Head Start and interim co-director of ... Read more

Experts from the College of Education and Human Development share research and guidance for supporting children as they reach new K-12 milestones

Getting back into the school routine can be challenging, but the University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development has expert advice to help. Jason Hustedt, a professor and chair of Human Development and Family Sciences and the research director at DIEEC, is featured for his expertise. His insights are a valuable resource for ... Read more

What Benefits Do Family Child Care Networks Bring?

DIEEC is honored to be featured in the National Early Care & Education Work Center‘s monthly newsletter, Research Snacks. Their latest issue highlights the vital role of family child care (FCC) networks, and the research includes an examination of our own initiative. The newsletter explores how staffed FCC networks provide crucial support to educators, from ... Read more

Summer Fun with Reading

One of DIEEC’s very own professional development coordinators, Rebecca Joella, was recently featured in a UDaily article! Rebecca and University of Delaware College of Education & Human Development faculty member Roberta Michnick Golinkoff share engaging summer literacy activities and helpful guidance for caregivers.Read their tips here: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2025/august/summer-reading-golinkoff-joella/