Karen Rattenborg

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Karen Rattenborg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Colorado State University and the Executive Director of the CSU Early Childhood Center (ECC). Dr. Rattenborg feels passionately about the importance of the first five years of life and this passion motivates her work to promote optimal environments and experiences for young children in the context of preparing dedicated, competent teachers who have a deep understanding of child development and are well equipped to meet the educational and socio-emotional needs of children. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ECC operation, maintenance, and growth including strategic planning and development of the research infrastructure; strategic development and fundraising; grant writing and grant management; supervision of senior staff; and supervision of budget and human resource processes. A successful grant writer, Dr. Rattenborg has been awarded $1.7 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Education and more than $160,000 from the Buell Foundation to support child care tuition assistance for income-eligible CSU student parents. Additionally, with more than $69,000 in grants from the Poudre School District, the ECC is able to provide early childhood education to at-risk children through the Colorado Preschool Program. The CSU Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a laboratory school with a three-fold mission to (a) prepare university students for careers in the field of early childhood; (b) provide opportunities for research related to children, families, and early childhood education; and (c) offer a developmentally appropriate, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environment for young children. Each year, the ECC serves approximately 150 children (ages 6 weeks to 6 years) while simultaneously training more than 130 students from various departments across campus including Food Science and Human Nutrition; Human Development and Family Studies; Occupational Therapy; the School of Education; and the School of Theatre, Music, and Dance. Dr. Rattenborg's recent awards include: 2019 Fulbright Specialist Award – Exploring Diverse Perspectives of Early Childhood Education – Kagawa University, Japan 2018 CSU Spirit of Philanthropy Award 2017 Outstanding Unit (CSU Early Child Center) – CSU Employee Appreciation Board 2016 Valued Friend of the Department Award – CSU Department of Occupational Therapy 2016 Scholarship for Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy – North American Reggio Emilia Alliance