College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2025-05-06 06:38:24
Major
Early Childhood Inclusive Teacher Preparation
Honors Course
EDCI 430
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
This project aims to explore the developmental impact of the foster care system on children, focusing on how early trauma and systemic factors influence emotional, social, and cognitive development. Through a systematic literature review, the project will highlight the unique experiences foster children face, examining how early adversity shapes their long-term outcomes. The project will emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care in educational environments, advocating for strategies that create supportive and empathetic classrooms. The objectives include identifying key challenges for foster children and offering recommendations for teachers and school administrators to effectively engage students impacted by trauma. The study also aims to provide practical tools for educators to foster positive developmental outcomes, benefiting not only children in foster care but all students. As a future educator, I will gain a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on child behavior, equipping me with the skills to create inclusive classrooms. This research aligns with my personal and professional experiences, including my background working with foster youth and studying child development at the University of Akron. The project will bridge my academic learning with practical classroom strategies and prepare me for leadership or future graduate studies.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Renee Mudrey
First Reader
Dr. Piya Chatterjee
Second Reader
Dr. Susan Kushner Benson
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Wondimu Ahmed
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Pleska, Catherine, "Understanding the Impact of Foster Care on Child Development" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2011.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2011
Included in
Development Studies Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons