Annie George-Puskar, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Curriculum and Teaching division at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education, was recently awarded the Vision Grant, funded by The Spencer Foundation. The $75,000 award supports large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects aimed at transforming educational systems toward greater equity.
George-Puskar received the grant in collaboration with the New York City Early Childhood Research Network, based at CUNY, where she serves as co–principal investigator alongside Lindsey Bravo, Ed.D.
Their project focuses on a critical moment in early childhood: the transition from Early Intervention services, administered by the Department of Health, to Preschool Special Education, overseen by the Department of Education. “The handoff between city agencies can be complicated and stressful for families,” George-Puskar said.
Using a root cause analysis approach, the team will work with both departments to identify policy changes that can improve the transition and better support children with developmental delays and their families. “Our project is not just about research—it’s about bringing people together from health and education systems to find real solutions that make a difference in the day-to-day lives of children and parents,” she said.
George-Puskar first became interested in this transition over a decade ago during her doctoral studies at the University of Connecticut, eventually focusing her dissertation on the topic. Receiving this grant, she said, feels both personal and validating: “It means a lot to have a platform to pursue this work on a larger scale, and to think about real, transformative change. This grant also reflects years of persistence and the power of listening to families.”
In the current climate, where funding for inclusive, applied research can be difficult to secure, the award carries added weight. “As someone who works with children with disabilities and developmental delays, I am not shy in expressing that inclusion matters,” George-Puskar said. “Building a system that affords more equitable access to supports and services will only enhance our community and society. Having the backing of a foundation allows us to think boldly, and means we can pursue ideas that truly challenge the status quo.”
This content was contributed by Leah McKirgan and edited by Vince Ricco.
