About the Author:
Dr. Mary Ellen Bardsley, an associate professor at Niagara University, has been involved in early childhood education for over fifteen years. Dr. Bardsley holds a doctoral and master’s degree from the University of Buffalo and bachelor’s degrees from Cornell University and Medaille College. She initially served as a Head Start teacher in Buffalo, New York. Through her position with Head Start she became involved in the local early childhood community serving in various roles for the board for the for Association for the Education of Young Children of Western New York, the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children, ACEI, and the New York State Association of Early Childhood Educators. She has the Level 3 Early Learner Training Credential (New York State).