The Gesell Program in Early Childhood

The Gesell Program in Early Childhood is a research, program development, and training center that brings together educators, parents, policy makers and researchers to study and promote the principles of child development for all young children. 

To learn more about our work, please view this brief presentation:

Gesell: True Then, Truer Now

 

Since 1950, Gesell has led research, advocacy and training in how children grow along the same path, at their own unique pace. The cyclical theory of maturational development, originated by Dr. Arnold Gesell, the founder of the Yale Child Study Center, grounds and inspires our advocacy for play based, developmentally appropriate practice and individualized instruction.  

We believe

  • Play grows brains best.
  • Children grow along the same path, at their own unique pace.
  • Informed parents support their children’s growth.
  • Measuring growth is the most meaningful way to measure learning.
  • Quality early education grows our economy.

Our Goals

  • Spark a sense of wonder of childhood.
  • Cultivate awareness of and respect for the uniqueness of every child.
  • Grow informed and expert technicians of best practice.
  • Impel the use of objective assessment.
  • Engender self-reflection and self-awareness to minimize bias.