Early Childhood Research & Practice is in the process of moving to the early childhood special education program at Loyola University Chicago after 17 years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We are delighted by the opportunity to “pass the torch” to our Loyola early childhood colleagues.

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Volume 5 Number 2
©The Author(s) 2003

In Memoriam: Susan J. Kontos

Douglas R. Powell
Distinguished Professor, Purdue University

Susan J. Kontos, one of the country's leading researchers in early childhood education and care, died September 12, 2003, following a remarkable nine-year battle with cancer. She was 53 years of age. Susan had been on the Purdue University faculty since 1985 and previously held faculty positions at the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Northern Colorado.

Susan's meticulous observational studies of children and teachers in early childhood programs helped shape current thinking about indicators of program quality and set high standards in classroom research. Her collaborative, multi-site study of the quality of family child care and research on inclusion and personnel preparation also contributed in significant ways to policy and practice considerations. At the time of her death, she was principal investigator of two large federally funded studies, one on the effects of the Project Approach and one on community contexts of child care quality.

Susan's numerous contributions to the field included editorial positions with the Early Childhood Research Quarterly, Young Children, Early Childhood Research & Practice, and Child and Youth Care Forum, and service on key state-level early childhood committees in Indiana. She was an enthusiastic mentor of graduate students and recipient of an outstanding undergraduate teaching award at Purdue.

Susan's energy, intellect, and commitment will be widely and deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her daughter, Wynne, and her family.