Giselle Navarro-Cruz

Dr. Giselle Navarro-Cruz is an assistant professor of early childhood studies in the College of Education and Integrative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona, where she teaches courses on multilingualism, infant development, and early learning and care (ELC) teacher practicum. Dr. Navarro-Cruz earned her Ph.D. in education from Claremont Graduate University, a master's degree in child development from Cal State L.A., and a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in applied developmental psychology from UCLA. Dr. Navarro-Cruz’s passion for ELC began when she was an assistant teacher at the UCLA childcare center, as well as a research assistant for several UCLA children research labs. Her research interests focus on enhancing access and quality to ELC using a funds-of-knowledge framework. Currently, her research examines how institutions of higher education (IHE) support parenting students as they navigate child care access and service on campus. In addition, Dr. Navarro-Cruz also conducts research that explores how IHE are preparing ELC teachers to work with multilingual children and their families. She advocates for the well-being and equity of access and quality care for young children and families.