Amy Schmidtke, EdD, is an early childhood educator, instructional coach, and leader with 30 years of experience advancing high-quality early learning. She specializes in guided play, child-centered learning, school-family-community partnerships, and professional development. As director of educational practice at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska, she collaborates with school leaders and educators to strengthen early learning programs and district systems, applying research to enhance leadership, instruction, and family engagement. She holds an EdD in educational administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and drives innovation through leadership, publications, collaboration, and professional learning initiatives.

Chapter Contributors

Holland Banse, Magnolia Consulting

Susan Bennett-Armistead, University of Maine

Keely Benson, University at Buffalo

Keri Giordano, Kean University

Anne-Lise Halvorsen, Michigan State University

Cindy Hoisington, Education Development Center (EDC)

Tonya Jolley, University of Nebraska

Julia Luckenbill, Davis Joint Unified School District

Marie L. Masterson, Council for Professional Recognition

Michèle M. Mazzocco, University of Minnesota

Betül Demiray Sandiraz, PhD Candidate, Michigan State University

Kimberlee Telford, University of Nebraska

Crystal N. Wise, University of Minnesota