Joan L. Ershler, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison Post-docturate School Psychology Contact Information Waisman Center UW-Madison 1500 Highland Avenue, Room S101B Madison, WI 53705 608-262-4718 E-mail:ershler@waisman.wisc.edu I have a long-standing interest in young children’s development and learning, and ways in which we can facilitate both in children with varying abilities, especially through play-based strategies in inclusive programs. My career has included teaching young children with special needs; teaching at the university level; providing pre-professional training in early childhood education; and consulting with Head Start programs. Since 1992, I have been the director of the Waisman Early Childhood Program, an inclusive program for approximately 90 children, a third of who have a developmental disability or special education need. In addition to direct services to children and families, we provide training opportunities for university students, a setting for research, and consultation services to community early childhood programs. We are also in the process of developing several new programs: a play-based intervention program for young children who have difficulty with social interactions, and a mentoring program for teachers working in Head Start classrooms.

Last updated on February 20, 2006 by sanders@waisman.wisc.edu  Waisman Center ~ 1500 Highland Avenue ~ Madison, WI 53705-2280 Telephone: (608) 263-5776 or (608) 263-5910 ~ TDD: (608) 263-0802 FAX: (608) 263-0529 ~ webmaster@waisman.wisc.edu ~ www.waisman.wisc.edu