Merrill Palmer mpsi for Child & Family Development Skillman Institute

MPSI is part of thE DImivision of Research at WayPne State Unirversity, Dintsetroit, MI FALL 2010 Premature Infants: INSIDE THIS ISSUE Life at the Edge of Survival

Alums revel in tea and history of Merrill Palmer pg.3

WSU alum Nancy Kaufman educates professionals on her breakthrough protocol to help children speak pg.5

Sarah Raz studies babies born before their time with a variety of WSU President Dr . complications, including intrauterine growth restriction and chronic Allan Gilmour lung disease. Known as extremely preterm infants, some of these babies come visits MPSI to thank all into the world at 22 to 26 weeks of gestation, falling far short of the 40 weeks involved in new Freer required to be full-term. Twenty years ago, many of these babies would not roof and have survived. Medical advances since then, like surfactant treatment to keep historical designation the lungs from filling with fluid and gentler ventilators, have greatly increased pg.4 their odds. Today babies born from 23 to 26 weeks gestation have about a 30 to 85% chance of survival, depending on gestational age. But, as some devel- opmental researchers caution, there can be a cost.

The rates of moderate to severe disabil- significant advantage in neuropsychological ity for these infants can be about 30%. Dr. functioning,” Dr. Raz said of their study pub- Raz’s research looked closely at children born lished in the 2010 Journal of the International preterm to learn what a two-week differ- Neuropsychological Society. Children born ence in gestation meant to their intelligence, two weeks earlier had lower scores in global perceptual and language skills, and motor intelligence and motor skills and higher rates performance. In a recent project, her team of placement in special education programs. Students mix from across compared 20 babies born at 23 to 24 weeks Two more weeks in the womb and the long- the lifespan to explain new research projects pg.6 gestation with 20 babies born at 25 to 26 term outlook for these infants is improved. weeks. Dr. Raz’ chosen line of research has “We found that the addition of two special challenges. Her hypothesis was that Editor/Writer - CHERYL DEEP weeks’ gestation was accompanied by a Cont. on P. 2 Graphic Designer - CATHERINE BLASIO mpsi Outreach

AWARDS & hONORS

PNC’s Grow Director Bob Steeh contacted Sue because of her depth of ex- Up Great program perience as a preschool and kindergarten teacher and expertise awarded $18,500 in play-centered education. Feedback from parents and teach- to the Early Child- ers was overwhelmingly positive. As might be expected from a hood Center to play advocate, Sue said, “It was fun.” help close the fund- ing gap in the Child Assistant Professor Valerie Simon, Ph.D., won Care Access Means a five-year grant of $755,121 from the National Parents in School Institutes of Health to study the relationship be- (CCAMPIS) grant. tween childhood sexual abuse in females and the CCAMPIS helps to increased risk of sexual health problems later in life. pay the tuition of “Little is known about the early sexual development the children of eli- of female victims of child sexual abuse,” Dr. Simon said. Increased gible Wayne State understanding of these behaviors should aid in developing more students so they effective risk reduction programs for these adolescents. can complete their John Hannigan, Ph.D., deputy director of university degree. MPSI, co-authored a study on the under-reporting Extra funding is required to fill the difference between actual edu- of drug use among teens and their parents. Just Say cation costs and the CCAMPIS reimbursement. The Early Child- “I Don’t”: Lack of Concordance between Teen Report hood Center also received a Great Start Readiness Program and Biological Measures of Drug Use appeared in the grant of $61,200 to offset the tuition costs of four-year-old chil- November issue of the journal Pediatrics and met dren of low income families who are at risk of school failure. with widespread media attention. In the analysis of more than 400 Early Childhood Center Director Sue Madro, high-risk urban teens and their parents, both groups substantially Ed.S., was invited to speak to 75 parents of pre- under-reported the teens’ recent cocaine and opiate use, despite schoolers in the Novi School District about the their knowledge that teens would be drug tested as confirmation. importance of play in the healthy development of young children. Novi Community Education

motor skills; cognitive skills needed for goal studies were pointing to problems early in Premature Infants directed behavior; expressive and receptive development, even before birth,” she said. Cont. from p.1 language; and memory and attention. Dr. “So eventually I thought why not just study Raz has assessed about 350 preterm children preterm birth.” She has been investigating some of the differences in outcome were in her lab over the years with an extra bene- outcomes of children born prematurely ever attributable to gestational age – not only to fit to parents. “We provide parents with a full since. In 2001, she came to Wayne State risk factors occurring before or after birth, report of our findings,” Dr. Raz said. “Often where she is jointly appointed in the Merrill or resultant physical handicaps. So subject this helps them get their children referred Palmer Skillman Institute and the Depart- recruitment of the 3 to 5-year-olds had to on to speech and language therapy or other ment of Psychology. control for situations like prenatal alcohol early interventions to correct deficiencies.” Dr. Raz’ lifelong hope is to add substan- exposure, head injury with loss of conscious- Born in Israel, Dr. Raz received her tive information to the body of knowledge ness, or a severe sensory, perceptual or mo- undergraduate degree in education and so- about premature birth, especially how vari- tor handicap. “It is a difficult task to recruit ciology from Hebrew University. She worked ous risk factors contribute to the long-term the right populations,” Dr. Raz said. “The as a special education teacher in Jerusalem in development of these children. “I’m humble rarer the complication we wish to study, the the late 70s before enrolling in the University enough to accept that all knowledge grows longer it takes to obtain a sufficient number of Texas graduate program. She studied clini- through the contributions of many research of children for an investigation.” cal neuropsychology, specializing in brain groups,” she said. “I just want to contribute Dr. Raz tests preschoolers because they abnormalities associated with schizophrenia. my share.” are old enough to be tested reliably on intel- “I was trying to understand what is hap- ligence, verbal, visual-spatial, fine and gross pening in the brains of schizophrenics. The

2 www.mpsi.wayne.edu. 3 Outreach mpsi

New Steering Committee Affirms MPSI’s Road Map

According to baseball great Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.” Good for a chuckle but also a reminder that reaching a destination – without getting lost in the woods -- requires a clear road map. This year MPSI created two important guides to help it reach its destination: a five-year strategic plan and a seven-person steering committee. The strategic planning process began with a committee comprised of MPSI faculty and key staff. They met regularly for a full year to determine the following strategic directions Tea Tradition Reborn along with steps and timelines to move toward them: • Sustaining Research Excellence for Merrill Palmer Alumni • Strengthening Graduate Research Training One of the most vivid, lasting memories for college students at • Enhancing the Early Childhood Center Merrill Palmer was the quaint English tradition of afternoon tea. Every • Leading Superior Community Outreach and Professional weekday at 3:00 p.m., tea and bisquits were served at the Freer House. Development Students and faculty alike attended, creating a special camaraderie. • Facilitating Administrative Function and Research Mary Lafter, a current board member who taught in the preschool Infrastructure in the late 50s and was a student in the Enhancing Human Potential • Restoring and Enhancing the Freer House Program in the late 70s, remembered details of the ceremony, right • Promoting Financial Sustainability down to the gold, green and red stripes circling the ivory china. “I Deputy Director John Hannigan, Ph.D., who organized the even bought a demitasse cup,” she said, “as a memento.” planning, said the creation of an achievable strategic plan is So it was only fitting that Merrill crucial to the future of MPSI. All oars are now rowing in the Palmer’s second alumni event was After- same direction. noon Tea, with Kerry Moustakas, Ph.D., as Even the best-run institutes with foolproof strategic plans guest speaker. Kerry herself was a student require outside experts to review their progress. Dr. Hannigan in the preschool and later a student in the and Director Peter Lichtenberg assembled a steering commit- adult program, encouraged no doubt by tee of leaders in family and child development from her father Clarke Moustakas who created and around the country to provide oversight. Laura Pittman, the Enhancing Human Potential certifica- Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Northern Il- tion program while a faculty member at linois University, chaired the committee. Merrill Palmer. Kerry is now president of Their report noted that “MPSI is in the midst of a resur- the Michigan School of Professional Psy- gence and has the capability to regain preeminence as a chology which offers graduate degrees in national leader in interdisciplinary research . . . and service to clinical psychology. the urban community.” Dr. Lichtenberg’s experienced leader- Alums were treated to a look back at highlights of Merrill Palmer’s ship won high marks from committee members. “His energy history and a look forward from MPSI Director Peter Lichtenberg at and forethought about the promise of MPSI is evident in all its new research, trainees, faculty, and community programs. Many of that has taken place,” they reported, including his “under- the nearly 30 alums shared testimony of the impact their brief time at standing of the value of the legacy of MPSI and the Freer MP had on the rest of their lives. Linda Larson studied at MP for only House.” The committee will meet annually to review MPSI’s 10 weeks in 1958, but drove in from Chicago for the alumni event. “It progress and suggest changes in direction. changed the way I thought of myself and what I wanted to do with “We were fortunate to convene a steering committee of my life,” she said of her training. “I discovered possibilities here that such high caliber and commitment,” Dr. Lichtenberg said. enabled me to set new goals for myself. It was transformational.” “Their thoughtful suggestions on how to achieve our goals lay the foundation for our future.”

www.mpsi.wayne.edu. 3 mpsi HOUSE The Freer House is home to MPSI faculty, administrative offices and meeting rooms.

Freer House Shines Bright in National Spotlight

The Friends of the Freer House and (left) Chair Phebe Goldstein presents plaques to the “New Roof” team. Honored guests join new Consul General of Japan to , Mr. Kuninori MPSI celebrated the completion of a new Matsuda and his wife Naoko (far right). cedar shake roof and other improvements to the Freer House on October 8. The event also recognized the recent designa- tion of the Freer House as a site of National Significance on the National Register of Historic Places. WSU President Allan Gilm- our joined city and state officials and WSU guests to acknowledge these achievements and thank those who made them possible. State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway presented President Gilmour with an official decree from the U.S. De- partment of the Interior elevating the Freer House to a site of National Significance. In his remarks, President Gilmour compli- mented the Friends of the Freer House for their dedication and commented on the The roof restoration project was sup- Over 100 guests joined Phebe Gold- importance of the Freer House and Merrill ported through funds generously provided stein, chair of the Friends of the Freer Palmer Skillman Institute to the ongoing by the WSU Board of Governors. In ad- House, MPSI Director Peter Lichtenberg, revitalization of Ferry Street and the WSU/ dition to the historically appropriate roof, and Vice President of Research Hilary Cultural Center neighborhood. He also the project included new copper gutters Ratner in applauding the work of the vari- got big laughs from the crowd. “When and flashing, energy efficient insulation, ous contractors, architects, and the WSU I worked at Ford, I was given the task of an electronic ice melt system and masonry Facilities, Planning and Management team renovating the historic Dearborn Inn,” he cleaning of the entire exterior. for their efforts. Special appreciation was said. “I’d never done anything like that This six-month, $750,000 project not extended to WSU Project Manager Steven before so I asked a friend for advice. He only secured the historic Freer House from Pecic. told me to make sure I got three reliable the elements but also enhanced its beauty On October 24, the Friends hosted bids for the work. Then take those bids and by revealing the subtle colors and textures a lecture at the Detroit Institute of Arts add them all together. That’s your budget of the original stonework buried under 120 entitled, “A Discerning Taste for Japanese to renovate a historic building.” years of grime and dirt. Art: The Formation of Charles L. Freer’s

The Freer House received an Americana Grant of $42,150 for 2011 to conduct a public lecture series, continue to analyze the paint colors originally used in the Freer House, and begin implementing suggestions from consultants in museum design to improve awareness of and accessibility to the Freer House.

4 To learn more about The Charles Lang Freer House visit www.mpsi.edu/about/friends-freer.php The Freer House is home to MPSI faculty, administrative offices and meeting rooms. mpsi Professionals Flock to Trainings (left) Chair Phebe Goldstein presents plaques to the “New Roof” team. on Autism, Honored guests join new Consul General of Japan to Detroit, Mr. Kuninori Matsuda and his wife Naoko (far right). Speech Delays Internationally known Explorations in Development, MPSI’s therapist enhanced professional development seminar, Nancy trained nearly 200 social workers, speech/ Kaufman explains her language pathologists, nurses, counselors speech-to- and teachers this October on high impact language protocol. topics. The series spans two age groups: Explorations in Infancy looked at early indica- tors and interventions for autism spectrum perspective on the ripple effects of autistic disorders; and Explorations in Children, behavior.” Youth and Families provided training in Explorations in Children, Youth and speech delays and sensory integration chal- Families examined speech and sensory prob- lenges. lems in autism and other disorders. Nancy Speakers discussed the latest research and Kaufman, founder of the Kaufman Children’s treatments for clinical approaches and got Center, explained her work and successes Collection,” by Ann Yonemura, senior high marks across the board for relevance, with children who struggle to speak. Nancy associate curator of Japanese Art, Freer knowledge, and clarity of presentation. At- is an internationally known lecturer on Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. The lecture tendees came from as far as Kalamazoo to childhood apraxia of speech, and the author attracted 225 people, and more than 100 attend the conference at the Wayne State of several books and kits to help develop visitors gathered later at the Freer House University Oakland Center. MPSI’s infant speech. KCC treats about 300 children a year for a benefit reception and tours. mental health clinical coordinator, Carla Bar- from around the world. The Friends of Freer were especially ron, coordinated the Explorations in Infancy MPSI Outreach Coordinator Bev Weathing- pleased to have esteemed guests from the program. “Our goal was to expand the ton organized the program which included Japanese business and cultural communi- already excellent training and attract more KCC’s director of occupational therapy, Jes- ties in attendance. A special Bento Box professionals,” Carla said. “Autism spectrum sica Hunt’s, overview of sensory integration lunch was held to honor the new Consul disorders are increasing and clinicians are try- challenges and treatments. General of Japan to Detroit, Mr. Kuninori ing to keep pace with the latest research.” The enhanced Explorations in Develop- Matsuda, his wife Mrs. Naoko Matsuda, The day included research on early diagno- ment continuing education programs were a as well as Ms. Yonemura and other invited sis and interventions, a treatment approach success by every measure and the new format guests. called P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic will continue next year. A full 95% of attend- The event marked the first visit to the Youngsters), and remarks from the mother of ees found the presentations worthwhile and Freer House for many guests and generat- two young sons with autism on its effects on said they would recommend the program to ed great interest in the major contributions the family. “Attendees were deeply moved colleagues. For more about programs or to of Charles Freer toward fostering cultural by Holly’s story,” Carla said of the parent join the mailing list, contact Carla Barron at relations between the United States and presentation. “Her honesty gave us all a new [email protected]. Japan. The event was co-sponsored with the Japan America Society and the Asian & Looking for a speaker for your community group, support group, or church event? Islamic Art Forum/DIA, with support from the Americana Foundation and Blossoms, This free community Free outreach service Birmingham. is brought to you Workshops Available by the Healthier Urban - by William Colburn to Support Grandparents Families Program at Historic Preservation Specialist and Raising Grandchildren FOFH Board Member mpsi Contact: Lisa Ficker at 313-872-7103 Merrill Palmer or [email protected] Skillman Institute

To attend next years Explorations in Development, contact Carla Barron, 313-872-1411 or [email protected]. 5 mpsi Research Parents Help Children enjoy seeing their parents volunteer Early Childhood at school and learn the value of altruism. Center Excel Like to plunge your hands into the dirt and make things grow? Maybe you’d rather run a pizza kit fundraiser to pay for a farm field trip. How about a spot on the advisory committee to discuss the Early Childhood Center with its program teachers? Whatever your preference, if you’re a parent and want to get involved, the Early Childhood Center at MPSI will find a way for kindergarten. Additional meetings based on help plan parties and often schedule a visit you to fit in and help out. The ECC encour- parent suggestions are in the planning stage. simply to read a story to the students. ages parents to take an active part in their Parents who don’t have time to join a It’s an old chestnut but true: Communica- children’s education. It was parents, in fact, committee can volunteer for a single event, tion is key to a successful preschool experi- who staffed this year’s gardening, fundrais- such as Picture Day. “Parents were so helpful ence. Sue writes a Parent Newsletter every ing and advisory committees. We welcome for that,” Sue said. “They escorted the chil- month to update families on the curriculum, parents who want to help us,” said ECC dren to and from their classrooms in small staff changes, field trips and other activities. Director Sue Madro. “The door is always groups so teachers didn’t have to disrupt “The more parents know about our school, open.” their teaching. We couldn’t have done it the richer their child’s school experience The ECC also holds a number of parent without the parents.” Parents chaperoned will be.” Sue said. “We are all part of a team meetings throughout the year including the Harvest Walk to the President’s Office dedicated to the education and well-being of “Meet the Teachers Night,” and workshops (on WSU’s campus) and will participate with young children and their families.” on study skills and making the transition to their children in the May farm trip. They also Research on Pregnancy and Abuse Wins First Place Award A Fall Poster Session was held jointly between MPSI and the Institute of Gerontology to encourage research awareness across the lifespan. Nine MPSI students presented their research to a crowd of about 75 faculty, students, administrators and judges. The first place winner was Mickey Sperlich for a project designed to help preg- nant women who have been abused cope with their post-traumatic stress disorder to improve birth outcomes. Second place went to Jessica Lucero for her examination of the neighborhood factors that contribute to violence among low-income Latino and African American children. Travis Goldwire took third place for his research into the effects of father involvement on young children’s school readiness. Vice President of Research Dr. Hilary Ratner remarked on the value of integrating two different institutes dedicated to human development. “We come to problems from different perspectives – childhood and aging – but we connect them to create something new that provides stronger training and expanded research oppor- tunities.” Dr. Ratner also noted the high level of community involve- ment in research projects. “The research we undertake is clearly of Session winner Mickey Sperlich (left) answers questions from Vice President of significance to our community,” she said. Research Dr. Hilary Ratner.

6 To learn more about MPSI research, visit www.mpsi.wayne.edu Partnership mpsi Sharing the Best in Early Childhood Education

Being asked to over- offer a chance for class- see the training of a room observation. “This group of professionals was an important piece can be flattering. But for because participants had Anna Miller, whose ca- the opportunity to see reer has been dedicated theory and best practices to early childhood edu- in action,” Anna said. cation, it also felt deeply The participants built rewarding to provide pro- strong relationships fessional development to amongst themselves and 200 Detroit Public School with their group leaders. (DPS) early childhood as- This experience helped sociate teachers. The as- Associate teachers view preschoolers, parents and them build a network of teachers from a one-way observation deck. sociate teachers worked in support for their work either a Great Start Readi- with young children. “The ness Program or Head Start classroom. “It For the first half of each session, the associate teachers frequently commented on was a wonderful experience,” she said of the participants attended a large group presen- the fact that participation in this professional 11-month program. “I watched these teach- tation. For the second half, they broke into development program had given them the ers blossom and become empowered.” 10 cohort groups, each led by a College of tools to become more effective teachers,” DPS and the Michigan Department of Education early childhood education special- Anna said. Education Office of Early Childhood Educa- ist and a DPS instructional specialist. These Feedback on the DPS Professional De- tion and Family Services contacted Wayne’s smaller groups provided opportunities for velopment Program was overwhelmingly College of Education to provide 54 of the discussion, reflections and hands-on activi- positive, she added. “Some associate teach- 120 required clock hours of training in early ties. ers expressed strong interest in pursuing childhood education for their associate The associate teachers also visited one of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early teachers. Members of the project team that the two early childhood centers on campus. childhood education. It lit a spark in them to planned, coordinated, and implemented the The project team was particularly pleased to further their professional career.” extensive training were College of Education Associate Professor Dr. Sharon Elliott, Teacher Education; Dr. Mark Larson, program coor- Be a SUPPORTER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES dinator Early Childhood Education & Autism Give to the MERRILL PALMER SKILLMAN INSTITUTE Spectrum Disorder; and Anna Miller, execu- tive director of the Early Childhood Centers Name at the College of Education and MPSI. Topics covered in the 16 sessions in- Address cluded: • How Young Children Learn; Phone E-mail Developmentally Appropriate Make Check payable to: WSU - MPSI Practices Check # • Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment Credit: Visa Mastercard Card # • Working with English Language Exp. Date amount $ Learners and Immigrant Families • Adult – Child Interactions: Signature Promoting Social/Emotional Development Mail to: Beecher House • Building Children’s Brains: c/o Fund Office What Does Brain Research Tell Us? 5475 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48202 PRINT

To learn more about the EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER call Sue Madro at 313-873-0724 7 Non-Profit US Postage PAID Detroit, MI Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute Permit #3844 71 E. Ferry St. Detroit, MI 48202

Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute mpsi for Child & Family Development

Save the Date

Freer’s 1910 Exhibition of Oriental and American Art Sunday, January 30 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The Charles Lang Freer House 71 East Ferry Street Detroit, MI 48202 Three doctoral candidates at the University of Michigan will shed new light on Freer’s Teens Connect with Kindness at Giant Step 2010 Conference landmark art exhibit in this lecture about the The Student Ballroom at Wayne State University bristled with excitement as 225 high school significance of this exhibit to the U-M and its students from the Detroit area attended their first Take a Giant Step Conference. “Inclusion, relationship to Freer’s life and home in Detroit. harmony and acceptance are our watchwords,” said co-coordinator Cheryl Deep. Giant Step Cost is $10 (students and Friends of the invites students from all schools, races, cultures, ethnicities and economic backgrounds to join Freer House pay $5). Reception and tours together for a day of honest discussion and heartfelt connection. Students learned about giving after the lecture. RSVP required to Rose Foster, back, too, by creating 114 greeting cards for residents of Redford Geriatric Village in Detroit. 313-872-1790, [email protected].

For more about the Giant Step Teen Conference, contact Trudy Shiemke at 313-872-1790