Presenter Biography

Kate McGruder has been the Grant Director and Parent Educator of a family support program called Early Beginnings for over 16 years through the Regional Office of Education #26 serving McDonough, Hancock, and Fulton counties in West Central Illinois. Her program supports families expecting and with children birth to age three through home visiting, developmental monitoring and group programs. Program emphasis is on developmental-centered parenting practices, parent-child meaningful interactions, family well-being and school transition. Kate received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master of Science degree in Education and Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on trauma-informed educational practices from Western Illinois University. Kate is a professional development consultant through the Regional Office of Education 26 and 33 Professional Development Consortium. She has provided trainings to school district administrators, principals and educators on family engagement, building cultural competency, trauma-informed educational practices, vicarious trauma and the whole child behavioral health toolkit. Her years of conducting early childhood research, service delivery and passion to support families from diverse backgrounds fuels her enthusiasm to provide training and guidance in both the school and community setting.

Additional Qualifications

ROE/ISC Contact

Julia Burns
jburns@roe33.net
Hancck/Fultn/Schuylr/McDonogh ROE 26