My research interests incorporate three interrelated areas of study: (a) social interaction between infants with disabilities and their caregivers and the implications of these interactions for the infant's optimal development; (b) policy issues related to personnel working with young children with disabilities and their families, and (c) professional development designed to assist early childhood practitioners to upgrade their skills in working with young children and their families. I have conducted descriptive studies of parent-child interaction, with the goal of understanding the differences often found in caregiver behavior during interactions with children with and without disabilities, including those from different cultures. I also have sought to describe the work roles and professional qualifications of early childhood personnel and have examined approaches to professional development that result in change in professional practice. My current activities extends on these same areas as I advocate and work on personnel standards for federal and state systems and for university programs, and as I examine professional knowledge and professional development related to fostering emergent content knowledge in young children. I continue to consider the important concept of responsiveness as it applies to all adults who interact with young children in their everyday lives.