• Programs

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Fine Arts in Emergent Media
• Master of Science in Digital Forensic Management
• Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science
• Master of Science in Managing Innovation & Information Technology
• Master of Science in Mediation & Applied Conflict Studies
• Master of Science in Law
• Master of Science in Healthcare Management
• Masters in Early Childhood Education
  • About the Program Director
  • Overview
  • Program Benefits
  • Application Process & Requirements
  • Curriculum
  • MEd Calendar
  • MEd Faculty
  • Early Childhood Education Residency
  • Upcoming MEd Courses
  • Spring Speaker Series Archive
  • MEd Information Sessions
  • To Apply

Dr. Debra Lawrence, Ph.D.

Dr. Lawrence received her Bachelor's degree from Empire State College in Saratoga, New York. This degree focused on Social Research, Social Structure, and Social Change. She holds a Master's Degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Ph.D. in Education from Walden University in Minnesota. Her Master's and Ph.D. are both in Early Childhood Education. With more than 30 years of experience in the field of early childhood, Debra has served as a teacher and director of numerous child care programs, the executive director of a child care resource and referral agency, and the regional director of southeast Pennsylvania's quality rating and improvement system, Keystone STARS.

Strongly committed to the field of early care and education she was appointed to the Governor's Colorado Early Childhood School Readiness Commission and served as co-chair with Senator Suzanne Williams. This commission was responsible for the successful passage of several early childhood bills. Her other service includes chairing the El Paso County Commission on Children and Families, serving as president of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children and the Pikes Peak Association for the Education of Young Children as well as serving four years on the National Association for the Education of Young Children's governing board.

Debra is a national, state, and local presenter and has co-authored an article in Child Care Information Exchange and is currently working on two chapters for a Head Start publication.

 

Robin Ploof

Curiosity has offered Robin new paths time and time again. Robin has been working in service to families and children since 1981. She has worked in a variety of settings ranging from early childhood programs to public schools from kindergarten through middle school, and is committed to excellence in early childhood education. Robin has owned and directed a NAEYC Accredited early childhood program in Burlington, Vermont for over twenty years.

What Robin would like others to know about her, "Each time I learn something new I realize there is so much more left to learn. I have a passion and commitment to lifelong learning; that is one of the many aspects that attract me to Champlain College. Champlain College creates an atmosphere that supports students in discovering and following their passions." Robin has been involved in teaching in Champlain College's undergraduate program for many years and mentors undergraduate students at her early childhood program in Burlington, Vermont.

Robin is also a member if the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC) and serves on the Executive Board as President. She is a mentor coach for Head Start, one of five literacy trainers in the state for the Vermont Council on the Humanities Never Too Early programs. Robin is nearing completion of a PhD in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood. Her research is focused on preschool teachers' beliefs about children's play.