SRCD Pre/Post-Conferences

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 60
Registration Fees: $85.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $110.00 (Professional, Emeritus) | Meals included with registration fee

Organizing Committee:

• Meeta Banerjee, Ph.D.
• Tiffany Yip, Ph.D.

This Pre-Conference is part of the programming of the SRCD Asian Caucus and represents the perspective of the presenters and has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Society for Research in Child Development and/or the Society’s Governing Council.

This preconference marks the 20th Anniversary of the SRCD Asian Caucus — two decades of building community, advancing scholarship, and creating space for Asian and Asian American voices in developmental science. The day brings together founding members, current leadership, mid-career scholars, and emerging researchers and trainees to honor the caucus's history and chart its path forward. Together, these sessions celebrate what the caucus has built and ask what it must become. We invite scholars at every career stage to join us in honoring this milestone and shaping the next twenty years.

Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 75
Registration Fees: $75.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $125.00 (Professional, Emeritus) | AM and PM Breaks are included with registration fee

Organizing Committee:

• SRCD Black Caucus,
• Elan Hope, Ph.D. (Pre-Conference Chair)

This session is part of the programming of the SRCD Black Caucus and represents the perspective of the presenters and has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Society for Research in Child Development and/or the Society’s Governing Council.

Building on a legacy of research and practice that centers the experiences, strengths, and promise of Black children, families, and communities, the SRCD Black Caucus proudly presents the Critically and Community Engaged Scholarship Preconference. Our sessions will feature panels with national and local leaders who meaningfully and ethically integrate Black communities into their research and work. Join us for in-depth conversations on how to initiate and sustain community-engaged practices with Black communities.

Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 50
Registration Fees: $75.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $110.00 (Professional, Emeritus) | Coffee/Tea included with registration fee

Organizing Committee:

• Matthew Diemer, University of Michigan
• Aixa Marchand, University of Illinois
• Michael Frisby, Georgia State University 

Sound measurement is foundational to quantitative methodology and developmental science. However, the racist history of quantitative methodology and measurement lead some to the conclusion that these approaches are irredeemable. Instead, acknowledging this history and repurposing quantitative methodology leads toward a more equitable, anti-racist, and critical quantitative perspective. This focus aligns with SRCD’s mission to advance developmental science and improve human lives, particularly by strengthening the validity of evidence used to understand diverse children, families, schools, and communities. Because quantitative developmental science often informs intervention, policy, and public narratives about children and families, measurement is not only a technical concern, but vital to ethical and scientific quality.

This workshop will explore measurement within the Critical Quantitative (CritQuant) framework. CritQuant is anchored by five guiding principles (i.e., foundation, goals, parity, subjectivity, and self-reflexivity) to mitigate racism (and other systems of oppression) and advance social justice. In doing so, the workshop supports SRCD’s scientific vision by integrating diversity, equity, and context into the design, analysis, and interpretation of developmental research. Participants will consider how racism, power, history, culture, and lived experience shape what researchers measure, how they measure it, and how findings are interpreted. This framing pushes beyond a technical view of measurement invariance as solely statistical and instead treats measurement as a site where developmental theory, social context, and methodological rigor intersect. Participants will be encouraged to examine how constructs are defined, whose experiences are centered, and when group comparisons are warranted.

Within the CritQuant framework, MIMIC (Multiple Indicator and MultIple Causes) models help researchers enact equity-oriented measurement by testing for latent mean differences and item intercept differences (i.e., DIF) across identity groups. These are important questions in developmental science, such as whether a measure of perceived discrimination is equally precise across groups. They are also important for constructs such as emotional support, academic motivation, family processes, and health-related outcomes, where biased measurement may obscure developmental processes or contribute to misleading group comparisons. One important advantage of MIMIC models is that they afford evaluating measurement bias efficiently while retaining the full sample – instead of losing power by dividing a sample into multiple groups as in measurement invariance testing – important because minoritized populations, by definition, are smaller in number.

By providing fair measurement, this approach positions researchers to contribute equitable developmental science. The workshop will therefore advance rigorous developmental methods while building capacity among SRCD members through conceptual instruction, applied examples, and hands-on practice. Attendees will learn to specify, estimate, interpret, and present MIMIC models in ways that are technically sound, critically informed, and relevant to research that can better policy, practice, and intervention. The workshop will also emphasize responsible interpretation: evidence of DIF should prompt substantive reflection about item content, construct meaning, and social context to revise or replace items, rather than solely deciding to “control away” group differences. Thus, the preconference supports both SRCD’s commitment to high-quality developmental science and its broader goal of producing knowledge that serves diverse children, families, and communities.

Software Requirements

Attendees can choose from one of two software options for the workshop, for the lab or “hands on” portions.

Option 1: Download and install R and RStudio, here is an online installing guide. Once you have R and Rstudio installed, you can install the psych, lavaan, and lavaanPlot R packages. Please complete installing R and RStudio (including troubleshooting issues) prior to the first meeting as we will not have time to troubleshoot installation issues. 

Option 2: Download the free demo version of the MPlus software program, prior to the first meeting. The MPlus demo can be downloaded via statmodel.com. The MPlus demo version has no limitations on the kinds of analysis you can do but allows no more than six dependent variables and two independent variables. If you have access to the full version of MPlus, even better (but not required). As a reference, you may want to also download the (free) Mplus users guide from the MPlus website: statmodel.com

Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 50
Registration Fees: $45.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $65.00 (Professional, Emeritus) 

Organizing Committee:

• Laura Baams, Utrecht University
• Jessica Fish, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
• Salvatore Ioverno, Roma Tre University
• Stephen Russell, Arizona State University

Over the past two decades, developmental scientists have generated a rapidly expanding body of evidence regarding the experiences, health, and well-being of sexual and gender diverse (SGD) children and adolescents. Despite these advances, developmental science remains undervalued and underutilized in the policies, practices, and public conversations that shape SGD youths’ lives. At the same time, SGD youth across the globe face evolving social, political, and legal challenges that require developmental scientists to engage more effectively in science communication, policy engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, community partnership, and knowledge mobilization. As a field, we must move beyond generating evidence toward ensuring that evidence informs action. 

 This preconference builds upon the August 2026 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Childhood and Adolescence: Global Forum on Development, Health, and Rights (SOGI Global Forum), an international gathering of researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers dedicated to advancing developmental science and improving outcomes for SGD youth worldwide. A central outcome of the Global Forum is the launch of a Year of Action initiative designed to strengthen the translation, communication, and application of developmental science. The proposed preconference represents a critical next phase of this effort. 

 The preconference will convene SGD developmental scientists and trainees to continue the Year of Action, strengthening skills, partnerships, and infrastructure that increase the public impact of developmental science for SGD youth. Through presentations, working-group activities, and structured networking opportunities, participants will develop practical strategies for effectively communicating research to diverse audiences, engaging policymakers and community stakeholders, responding to misinformation, building effective partnerships, and translating developmental science to inform policies and practices that support SGD youth. Speakers and breakout group leaders include Global Forum working group chairs, Drs. Sabra Katz-Wise, Paul Poteat, and Alexa Martin-Storey, SRCD SOGIE Caucus Chair, Dr. Shannon Snapp, and SRA LGBTQ+ SIG Co-Chairs, Drs. Sabra Katz-Wise and Kirsty Clark. 

 In addition to capacity building, the preconference will serve as a strategic convening for scholars from major developmental science organizations, including SRCD, SRA, EARA, ISSBD, and participants from the Global Forum initiative. Together, these scholars will work toward establishing an SGD Special Interest Group (SIG) within the International Consortium of Developmental Science Societies (ICDSS). The ICDSS SIG would provide a sustainable global infrastructure for collaboration, mentorship, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action among researchers, practitioners, and advocates committed to advancing the development, health, and rights of SGD children and adolescents globally. 

 The preconference aligns closely with SRCD’s mission to advance developmental science and promote the application of developmental knowledge to improve lives. It also responds to SRCD’s strategic goal to build capacity internationally, building on and strengthening SRCD’s existing collaborative relationships with ISSBD and ICDSS. By strengthening translational science capacity and developing an enduring global infrastructure, the event seeks to accelerate the use of developmental science for action and impact. Ultimately, the preconference aims to help strengthen a globally connected community of scholars and partners equipped to leverage developmental science in service of healthier, more equitable futures for SGD children and adolescents around the world.

Time: 12:30 PM - 4:40 PM 
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 100
Registration Fees: $55.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $85.00 (Professional, Emeritus) | Coffee/Tea included with registration fee

Organizing Committee:

• Eva Chen, Benedictine College
• Lauren Myers, Lafayette College
• Aya Shigeto, Nova Southeastern University
• Jessica Taggart, University of Virginia

The SRCD Developmental Science Teaching Institute (TI) convenes developmental science educators committed to strengthening their teaching through evidence-based, inclusive, and engaging practices. Whether preparing to teach for the first time, refining an established course, or mentoring future developmental scientists, the TI offers opportunities to gain practical strategies, fresh perspectives, and a supportive community dedicated to excellence in teaching.

This year’s TI features engaging panel and roundtable discussions, interactive workshops, and flash talks. These formats allow participants to explore approaches to active learning, inclusive and equitable teaching, student engagement, and course design while developing resources that can be readily adapted for undergraduate and graduate instruction. Beyond individual skill development, the TI serves as SRCD’s hub for building community among developmental science educators. It fosters connections with colleagues across institutions and career stages, encourages the exchange of ideas and resources, and supports professional relationships that extend beyond the Biennial Meeting.

The TI complements SRCD’s Biennial program by recognizing teaching as a scholarly practice that shapes the future of developmental science. By equipping educators with practical, research-informed, and adaptable approaches to teaching, the TI strengthens student learning, advances inclusive excellence, and helps prepare the next generation of developmental scientists.

Teaching Institute Agenda 
 

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Date: Saturday, April 10, 2027
Location:  TBD 
Spaces Available: 30
Registration Fees: $60.00 (Student, Early Career, LMIC) | $85.00 (Professional, Emeritus) | Coffee/Tea included with registration fee

Organizing Committee:

• Bethany A. Bell, University of Virginia
• Sophie Yitong Yue, University of Virginia
• Natalia A. Palacious, University of Virginia
• Xinyi Zoe Mao, University of California, Los Angeles 
   

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 (ECLS-K:2011), is one of the most comprehensive resources available for studying children's development, schooling, and well-being. Following a nationally representative cohort of children from kindergarten through later school years, the study includes thousands of variables spanning academic achievement, social-emotional development, physical health, family experiences, and school contexts. These rich longitudinal data provide unparalleled opportunities to address important questions about children's development and the policies and environments that shape their lives.

Yet many researchers are left wondering whether they are making the right analytic choices when working with these complex data. Decisions about survey design and analysis can have substantial consequences for the validity, generalizability, and impact of research findings, but the methodological foundations needed to make these decisions are often underemphasized in graduate training. As a result, researchers frequently find themselves navigating critical analytic challenges with limited guidance. 

Through a combination of instruction, worked examples, and guided decision-making tools, attendees will build the knowledge and confidence needed to conduct rigorous, transparent, and policy-relevant analyses using ECLS-K data. The workshop will also highlight common analytic pitfalls and provide practical guidance for producing findings that are both methodologically sound and relevant to policy and practice.

Beyond the technical implementation of ECLS-K’s complex architecture, the workshop emphasizes thoughtful and defensible research decisions. Participants will explore theory-driven approaches to construct operationalization, strategies for developing composite measures, and best practices for documenting analytic choices to enhance transparency, reproducibility, and the peer-review process. Throughout the day, attendees will work with real examples, decision guides, and annotated syntax that can be readily adapted to their own research projects.

Whether participants are preparing to launch a new ECLS-K project or seeking to strengthen the methodological rigor of ongoing work, the workshop is designed to provide immediately applicable knowledge and resources. Participants will leave better prepared to leverage the full potential of ECLS-K's rich longitudinal data to address questions about educational opportunity, developmental processes, health and well-being, family experiences, and social inequality. By connecting methodological best practices with developmentally focused research questions, the workshop aims to strengthen the quality, equity, and trustworthiness of developmental science.

Understanding Complex Survey Data Agenda 

For more information about this workshop, please contact Bethany A. Bell at bethany.bell@virginia.edu    

Intended Audience: Graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty who use or plan to use ECLS-K data in their research. Prior experience with ECLS-K is not required, although a basic understanding of regression analysis is recommended. Annotated examples will be provided, and the workshop is designed to be accessible to participants using a variety of statistical software platforms (e.g., R, SAS, Stata). To ensure that all attendees are prepared to actively participate in the workshop, additional information about the datasets, software options, and preparation materials will be shared with registered participants prior to the workshop.