Fulbright Scholar and Professor of Child and Family Studies Jaipaul Roopnarine Launches College of Human Ecology Research Center Seminar Series Sept. 22

Fulbright Scholar and Professor of Child and Family Studies Jaipaul Roopnarine Launches College of Human Ecology Research Center Seminar Series Sept. 22September 11, 2008Michele Barrettmibarret@syr.edu

Jaipaul Roopnarine, professor of child and family studies and a Fulbright Scholar, will launch the College of Human Ecology Research Center’s Seminar Series with the presentation “Parenting Styles Among Caribbean and Caribbean Immigrant Families: Links to Children’s Cognitive and Social Skills” on Monday, Sept. 22, from 9-10:30 a.m. in Sims Hall’s third-floor atrium.

Roopnarine was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago this past spring. Included in this research/lecturing award were two detailed studies on early childhood socialization and childhood education practices in multi-ethnic groups of families with young children. Additionally, he taught a course in the School of Education at the University of the West Indies.

Through Roopnarine’s earlier work in the West Indies, the College of Human Ecology and the School of Education are working closely with the University of the West Indies on the development of a first-ever inclusive education program in the West Indies. Roopnarine also serves as the director of the College of Human Ecology’s Jack Reilly Institute for Early Childhood and Provider Education, which will serve as a national center of excellence in day care studies research and best practices.

Roopnarine’s work provides an opportunity to change the landscape of public education in the West Indies to serve all children in the public education model. Additionally, it brings SU, the College of Human Ecology and the School of Education together with another nation working innovatively and collaboratively to create change.

The College of Human Ecology’s Research Center supports research and entrepreneurship by providing guidance and supporting grant submissions. The center initiates programming, such as its seminar series, to showcase, enhance and advance knowledge of current and upcoming faculty research and scholarly activities. For more information on the Sept. 22 presentation, or the College of Human Ecology Research Center, contact (315) 443-9233.