Early Childhood Education Faculty

Meet Our Faculty

Faculty office hours are posted at the start of each semester.

Dr. Saigeetha Jambunathan

Professor and Chairperson
201-200-3192
Professional Studies Building 329
sjambunathan@tee-guide.com
 

Dr. Jambunathan has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education as a preschool classroom teacher, director of early learning center and faculty in higher education. Dr. Jambunathan has presented her work at national and international conferences. Her work spans many areas of early childhood education: Developmentally appropriate practices, teacher beliefs about DAP, financial literacy, and ethical decision making among early childhood teachers, leadership skills among children and development of culturally relevant assessments for the identification of gifted and talented children in India. She has also conducted numerous professional development workshops for teachers in the US and India. 

Education

B.Sc – Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Madras
M.Sc  – Human Development, University of Madras
Ph.D.  – Child Development, Oklahoma State University

Courses Taught Recently

ECE 200 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE 210 – Young Child, Behavior, Growth and Development
ECE 212 – Human Growth and Development: Birth through Adolescence
ECE 350 – Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum
ECE 460 – Working with Families
ECE 475 – Reflecting on Knowledge and Practice
ECE 610 – Child Study
ECE 624 – Early Childhood Special Education
ECE 631 – Early Childhood Curriculum and Programs
ECE 634 – Family, Child and School Interaction
ECE 635 – Research in Early Childhood Education

Research Interests

• Developmentally appropriate practices
• Teacher beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices and ethical practices
• Financial literacy in early childhood education
• Peer-led interventions

Recent Publications

Jayaraman, J. D., Jambunathan, S., & Adesanya, R. (2021). Preparedness of Early Childhood Teachers to Teach Financial Literacy: Evidence from the US.Education 3-13, 1-16.

Jambunathan, S., Jayaraman, J.D., & Adesnaya, R. (2020). Comparison of Beliefs about Classroom Ethical Practices among Early Childhood Teachers in India and the USA: An Exploratory Study. Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2020.1841812 

Jambunathan, S., Jayaraman, J.D., Jayaraman, A., & Jayaraman, K. (2020) Is peer-led discovery based learning effective in promoting leadership skills among middle school children? Evidence from India, Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2020.1733041 

Jambunathan, S., Jayaraman, J. D., Jayaraman, K., & Jayaraman, A. (2019). Effect of Peer-Led Leadership Workshops on Leadership Skills Among Middle School Students in India. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 33(3), 399-413, DOI: 10.1080/02568543.2019.1608336.

Jambunathan, S., Jayaraman, J.D. (2019). Perception of Self-competence and Social Acceptance of Street Children in India. Journal of the International Association of Special Education, v19(1), 45-52.

Jayaraman, J.D., Jambunathan, S. & Counselman, K. (2018). The Connection between Financial Literacy and Numeracy:  A Case Study from India. Numeracy, Volume 11, Issue 2, Article 5.

Jayaraman, J.D., Jambunathan, S. (2018) Financial Literacy among High School Students: Evidence from India. Citizenship, Social and Economic Education, Volume 17, Issue 3.  DOI: 10.1177/2047173418809712

Jayaraman, J.D., Jambunathan, S & Adesanya, R (2018). Financial literacy and classroom practices among early childhood and elementary teachers in India and the US, Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2018.1533030

Dr. Jale Aldemir

Associate Professor
201-200-2114
Professional Studies Building 329
jaldemir@tee-guide.com

Dr. Aldemir came to NJCU in Fall 2019 with over 25 years of experience in education in Turkey and the US in the capacity of early childhood education teacher, elementary school teacher, school counselor and teacher educator. She teaches ECE curriculum method courses at undergraduate and graduate levels and supervises the preservice teachers during their Clinical Practice I and Clinical Practice 2 (internship). Dr. Aldemir is dedicated to integrating a global perspective into her teaching practice and collaborates with early childhood education programs in Sweden.

Education 

BS - Psychological Counseling and Guidance, Inonu University, Turkey 
M.Ed. - Curriculum and Instruction, The Pennsylvania State University.  
Minor- Adult Education, The Pennsylvania State University.
Ph.D. - Curriculum and Instruction, The Pennsylvania State University.

Courses Taught Recently 

ECE 212 – Human Growth and Development: Birth through Adolescence 
ECE 331 – ECE Clinical Practice 1 
ECE 350 – Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum 
ECE 470 – ECE Clinical Practice 2 
ECE 624 – Early Childhood Special Education 
ECE 638 – Theory into Practice Language Acquistion and Constructing Meaning Across the Curriculum Pre K-K 
ECE 639 - Theory into Practice Language Acquisition and Literacy Across the Curriculum Grades 1-3 

Research Interests 

Her research focuses on STEM in early childhood education, effects of topography on social-cultural identity, and supervision of teacher candidates.    

Recent Publications

Aldemir, J. (2020). The possibilities of topography: visiting community spaces with Swedish preschoolers. Childhood Explorer by Childhood Education International, at http://www.childhoodexplorer.org/possibilities

Aldemir, J., Barreto, D., & Kermani, H. (2019). The integration of mobile technology into curricula for early childhood preservice teachers. I-Manager’s Journal of Educational Technology, 16(3), 21-33.

Kermani, H., & Aldemir, J. (2018). Exploring the impact of a STEM integration teacher professional development program on early childhood teachers’ pedagogical beliefs. 15th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA). Budapest, Hungary.

Aldemir, J., & Kermani, H. (2017). Integrated STEM curriculum: Improving educational outcomes for Head Start children. Early Child Development and Care, 187(11), 1694-1706. DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2016.1185102.

Ardley, J., & Aldemir, J. (2016). Supporting experienced faculty on videoconferencing pedagogy through videoconferencing mediated mentoring. Journal of Educational Technology, 13(2), 21-29.

Aldemir, J. & Kermani, H. (2016). Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Technology with Young Children: An Applied Experience. In G. Chamblee & L. Langub (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1406-1411). Chesapeake, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

Dr. Basanti Chakraborty

Professor
201-200-2114
Professional Studies Building 329
bchakraborty@tee-guide.com

Dr. Basanti Chakraborty is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at New Jersey City University. Her teaching and research experience includes teaching in schools and programs of Teacher Education in the U.S. and India. She continues to present academic research work and partnership insight from communities in national and international conferences.

She serves as the Counselor of Delta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi at New Jersey City University. In that capacity, she served as a professional representative to the Department of Public Information of the United Nations. She remains active in academics as well as in public private partnership engagements in U.S and abroad.

Education

B.Sc. Physics, Chemistry(Hons.), Math, Utkal University, Odisha, India
B. Ed., Utkal University, Odisha, India
M.Ed., Utkal University, Odisha, India   
Ph. D., Education.  “The relationship between Creativity, Intelligence, and Academic Achievement of National Rural Talent Scholarship awardees,” Utkal University, Odisha, India
Post-Doctoral Research Scholar, Creativity, Mississippi State University, MS
Post-Doctoral Research, Education of the Gifted Children, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY

Courses Taught Recently

ECE 200 Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE 210 Young Child Development Behavior and Learning
ECE 212 Human Growth and Development: Birth through Adolescence
ECE 300 Early Primary Curriculum: Methods of Content Delivery
ECE 331 ECE Clinical Practice 1
ECE 350 Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum;
ECE 460 Working with Families of Young Children
ECE 470 ECE Clinical Practice 2
ECE 631: Early Childhood Curriculum and Programs
ECE 634: Family Child & School Interaction
ECE 635: Research in Early Childhood Education

Research Interest

Learning Environment, Learning and Motivation, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Project Based Learning, Learning through Community Engagement, Diversity, Family Engagement, Demographic Education, Sustainable Development Goals of the UNO, Gender Issues and Peace Education.

Recent Publications:

2015 “Education in India: Diplomacy in Action.” In G. Duarte & E. Strekalova-Hughes (Eds). Education Diplomacy in Action: Voices from around the world. [pp 81-95], Association of Childhood Education International, Washington, D.C., 2015.

2014 Educating Children in the New Millennium (editorial), Part 2. Childhood Education: Infancy through Early Adolescence.  Journal of the Association of Childhood Education International, 2014, Sept/Oct., 2014.

2014 Educating Children in the New Millennium (editorial), Part 1. Childhood Education: Infancy through Early Adolescence.  Journal of the Association of Childhood Education International, 2014, May/June, 2014.

2012 Learning About Scientific Phenomena at Home and School: Focusing on Lunar Eclipse. Idea Sparkers, May/June, 2012, ACEI Exchange, P.6-8.

2010 Creating Friendly and Supportive Environment for Teachers (editorial). Childhood Education: Infancy through Early Adolescence.  Journal of the Association of Childhood Education International, Annual theme issue 2010.

Dr. Muriel Rand

Professor and Academic Director, New Pathways to Teaching in NJ
201-200-2319
Professional Studies Building 329
mrand@tee-guide.com

Muriel Rand is a Professor of Early Childhood Education, New Jersey City University where she teaches courses in classroom management, early literacy, and reflecting on teaching. She previous served as the Dean of the College of Education. Dr. Rand has been a preschool teacher, an early childhood music teacher, and an instructional coach and curriculum development consultant to early childhood programs in urban public schools. She is also a licensed social worker.

Education 

Ed.D. Elementary/Early Childhood Education (Specialization in Literacy Development), Rutgers University
M.S.W. Direct Practice -- Emphasis in Mental Health, Rutgers University
M.Ed. Elementary/Early Childhood Education, Rutgers University
B.A. Spanish/Music, Bucknell University

Courses Taught Recently

ECE 331 – ECE Clinical Practice 1
ECE 350 – Early Childhood Integrated Curriculum
ECE 400 - Classroom Management, Classroom Behavior and Positive Behavior Supports
ECE 470 – ECE Clinical Practice 2
ECE 475 – Reflecting on Knowledge and Practice
ECE 633 - Seminar & Practicum in Early Childhood Education 
ECE 638 – Theory into Practice Language Acquistion and Constructing Meaning Across the Curriculum Pre K-K
ECE 639 - Theory into Practice Language Acquisition and Literacy Across the Curriculum Grades 1-3
ECE 655 - Classroom Management, Classroom Behavior and Positive Behavior Supports

Research Interests

• Classroom Management 
• Literacy Learning

Recent publications 

Rand, M.K., & Morrow, L.M. (2021). The contribution of play experiences to emergent literacy: Expanding the science of reading. Reading Research Quarterly, Special Education.

Rand, M. K. & Morrow, L. M. (2018). The impact of pivotal research on the role of play in early literacy. In Cassano, C. & Dougherty, S. (Eds.). Pivotal research in early literacy. New York: Guilford.

Rand, M. K. (2015). The Positive Classroom field guide: Hands-on resources for creating a joyous elementary classroom. Princeton. NJ: Princeton Square Press.

Rand, M. K. (2014). The Positive Preschool: A Hands-on Guide for a Smooth-Running, Joyful Classroom. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Square Press.

Dr. Regina M. Adesanya

Adjunct Professor
radesanya@tee-guide.com

Dr. Adesanya has been in the field of early childhood education for over 40 years. During that time, she has served urban communities by directing early childhood programs, supervising and training early childhood educators and providing school psychological services. Prior to coming to NJCU, Dr. Adesanya served as the Education Director for New Community Corporation. In this position, she lead the Lady Liberty Academy Charter School, served as the child study team manager and school psychologist, oversaw the operations of 3 early childhood centers and ensured safe, secure, educational afterschool and summer youth programs. Dr. Adesanya recently retired from NJCU after being the ECE department chairperson and an associate professor. Dr. Adesanya has presented at numerous conferences and conducted professional development workshops for early childhood educators on a wide variety of topics including using culturally sensitive approaches to working with families, child behavior management.

Education

BA- Sociology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
MA-Early Childhood Education, Kean University, Union, NJ
Psy.D.-Professional Child School Psychology, New York University, NY

Courses Taught Recently

ECE 212 – Human Growth and Development: Birth through Adolescence
ECE 460 – Working with Families
ECE 400 – Classroom Management & Positive Behavior Support
ECE 475 – Reflecting on Knowledge and Practice
ECE 624 – Early Childhood Special Education
ECE 655 – Classroom Management & Positive Behavior Support

Research Interests

• Developmentally appropriate practices
• Teacher beliefs about developmentally appropriate practices and ethical practices
• Trauma-informed care
• Culturally responsive education

Recent Publications

Jayaraman, J. D., Jambunathan, S., & Adesanya, R. (2021). Preparedness of Early Childhood Teachers to Teach Financial Literacy: Evidence from the US.Education 3-13, 1-16.

Jambunathan, S., Jayaraman, J.D., & Adesanya, R. (2020). Comparison of Beliefs about Classroom Ethical Practices among Early Childhood Teachers in India and the USA: An Exploratory Study. Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2020.1841812

Hill, J. R.M. , Adesanya, R. (2019). Helping children cope with violence in their communities. Young Children 74-4

Jayaraman, J.D., Jambunathan, S & Adesanya, R (2018). Financial literacy and classroom practices among early childhood and elementary teachers in India and the US, Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2018.1533030

Ana Aponte

Adjunct Instructor
aaponte@tee-guide.com

Ana Aponte has worked in the field of early childhood for 15 years as a preschool teacher, assistant director and director of the Children’s Learning Center at NJCU.  Ana oversees all aspects of the learning center including curriculum, assessments, teacher professional development, pre-service teacher training, as well as maintaining national accreditation standards. She has presented at local and state conferences.  Her presentation topics include culturally conscious classrooms, fostering emotional literacy, dealing with challenging behaviors, and many other early childhood topics. She has been an adjunct faculty for the Early Childhood Department at NJCU since 2019.  She is currently working on a doctorate degree from Rowan University and her dissertation centers on pre-service teachers.      

Education

BA – Psychology & Early Childhood Education, ECE Teacher Certified, NJCU
MA  – Educational Psychology, NJCU
PD  – School Psychology, Certified School Psychologist, NJCU
Ed.D (in progress) – Educational Leadership, Rowan University

Courses Taught Recently

ECE 200 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education
ECE 210 – Young Child, Behavior, Growth and Development
ECE 212 – Human Development: Birth through Adolescence
ECE 305 – Math, Science and Technology in Early Childhood Education