READY Research

Our research to date has focused on three main areas:

1) The development, evaluation, and transportability of an early intervention program designed to promote various aspects of school readiness (e.g., behavioral, social-emotional, academic, and developmental readiness) for young children at-risk for externalizing behavior disorders (e.g., Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Early Conduct Problems)

2) The implementation and evaluation of early reading interventions for young children from at-risk community settings

3) The evaluation of school-based interventions for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as teacher training in evidence-based classroom management strategies

As a lab, we are taking this work forward in many new directions, with an eye on continuing to develop, implement and evaluate early intervention programming, while also considering key factors related to the culturally and linguistically diverse families and communities we serve.

If you are interested in reading more about our research, here are links to some of our key papers, selected presentations, and interviews about these topics:

Note: * Denotes graduate student or trainee author. 


School readiness intervention development, evaluation, and transportability for young children at-risk

Here is a link to Dr. Hart talking about this research at the University of Miami Mailman Center Grand Rounds in early 2021.

Here is a link to a new York Times article interviewing Dr. Hart about her thoughts on medication for young children with ADHD.

Implementation and evaluation of early reading interventions for young children from at-risk community settings

  • *Zambrana, K. A., Hart, K. C., *Maharaj, A. V., *Cheatham-Johnson, R. J., & Waguespack, A. (2019). Latino Parent Involvement and Associations with Home Literacy and Oral Reading Fluency.
  • Hart, K. C. & Barreras, D. (2020, February). Reading Explorers Program: Spurring Young Readers to Success. Invited presentation at the Florida Grade Level Reading Campaign Annual Statewide Gathering, Orlando, Florida.
  • Hart, K. C. & Selby, C. (2017, March). Reading Explorers Program: Spurring Young Readers to Success. Invited presentation at the Florida Grade Level Reading Campaign Policy Thought Leaders Convening, Tallahassee, Florida.
  • Hart, K. C., & Waguespack, A. (2015, February). Evaluation of Summer Reading Services in At-Risk Communities. Paper presented to the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.

Evaluation of School-Based Interventions for Children with ADHD


Our students have taken this work in so many neat new directions! Here are some of their highlights:

Research Collaborations & Community Partnerships:

We could not do this alone and believe in Team Science! Here are some of our key partners: