Our Lab
Dr. Jenn Finders – Director
In the PEACE lab, we take a systems approach to strengthen the reach and effectiveness of early childhood education for underserved and underrepresented populations. We are passionate about bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy to ensure young children and families have equitable access to high-quality early learning experiences. We are excited about the opportunity to build collaborations and tackle problems of practice in your area.
Our Goals
Our Team
Our team is comprised of researchers and students from both Colorado State University and Purdue University who are working on projects in our lab.

Current Research Projects
Updated Needs Assessment of the ECE System in Indiana: A PDG B-5 Renewal Activity
We are conducting a detailed needs assessment that describes the availability and quality of existing early childhood education programs in Indiana serving children birth to age five and identifying gaps in capacity that can be targeted through strategic initiatives.
Funding support is from the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
2023 – 2025
Identifying Key Ingredients of High-Quality Preschool Programs in Indiana
We are investigating the key ingredients of quality that are observable in Indiana preschool programs and highlighting opportunities to leverage childcare subsidy policies and state prekindergarten programs to incentivize those most effective for improving children’s learning and development.
Funding support is from the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
2022 – 2026
Assessing Evidence-Based Curricular Use in a Broad Spectrum of Early Care and Education Programs
We are examining the landscape of curricula being implemented in Indiana’s early childhood education programs to gain information about the extent to which evidence-based practices are effectively utilized to support children’s learning and development.
Funding support is from the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
2022 – 2025
Completed Research Projects
Enhancing Cost Estimates of Rural Child Care in Indiana
We implemented focus groups and surveys with childcare directors to inform enhancements to a tool and associated methodology developed to estimate the costs of providing high-quality early learning in rural Indiana.
Funding support was from the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development.
2022 – 2023