JMU’s Young Children’s Program expands learning for education research

James Madison University’s Young Children’s Program (YCP) has expanded its services across two campus locations, providing early childhood education and new opportunities for teaching and research. The program now operates in both Anthony-Seeger Hall and Memorial Hall, with preschool classrooms at Anthony-Seeger and expanded programming at Memorial Hall for children ranging from infants through preschool age. The additional space allows the YCP to serve more children and families while expanding hands-on learning and research opportunities for JMU students and faculty.

The YCP, which operates under JMU’s College of Education (COE), strives to provide high-quality teaching, research, and outreach that foster lifelong learning. Its goals are to encourage self-regulation, independence and healthy social interaction, while helping children develop language and motor skills, learn through exploration, and make choices that support their well-being. Overall, the program aims to support well-rounded personal and intellectual growth in young learners.

“This new space allows us to further extend our work with children and expand hands-on training for future educators,” said YCP program director Amy Taylor. “It’s exciting to see the growth of the YCP and to think of all of the future possibilities.”

The YCP also includes observation rooms attached to four classrooms, with one-way windows, cameras and microphones; these features allow JMU faculty and students to conduct research and collect data without disrupting the class environment, further strengthening YCP’s connection to the university’s academic community.

In fall 2025, JMU’s School of Music professor Rachel Grimsby led the first research study conducted in the new YCP space, alongside COE professors Maryam Sharifian and Chelsey Bahlmann Bollinger, and consulted by Julian Knight, who led a similar study in the United Kingdom. The 12-week study explored how weekly music activities influence language development and early literacy skills in preschoolers. The research, a JMU Center for Advancement Research in Education initiative, promoted interdisciplinary collaboration by combining teacher-led songs and movement with child-led exploration of picture books.

“The Young Children’s Program reflects COE’s commitment to supporting life-long learning, research and service,” said Mark L’Esperance, dean of the COE. “This new space strengthens collaboration among students, faculty and families while helping prepare the next generation of educators.”

Beyond its role as a research and teaching space, the YCP also provides opportunities for JMU students to earn volunteer service hours and mentor children. As the program continues to grow, it demonstrates JMU’s ongoing dedication to improving education, fostering innovation and creating a space where children, students and faculty can learn and grow together.