Janna Kook

Janna Kook, EDC research scientist and early childhood education expert, advances knowledge of effective strategies to enhance children’s STEM learning through formal education, informal education, and the use of digital media. She is passionate about increasing understanding of how to support interactions between children and adults that deepen learning and strengthen relationships. A widely published author, her recent works focus on early science learning, early math learning, and executive functions.

Kook leads and advances a range of EDC educational improvement studies. Her expertise includes quantitative research methods—including quasi-experimental studies and randomized controlled trials—sampling, and administration of large-scale surveys. She leads a study on leveraging digital technology in library and home settings to support early computational thinking. She also conducts research design, measure development, data analysis, and dissemination for Ready To Learn and EDC’s preschool science work.

Before joining EDC, Kook co-developed Lens on Science, a computer-based assessment of preschool science.

Kook holds an MS and PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Miami and was an Institute of Education Sciences predoctoral fellow.