Jessica K. Hardy

Jessica K. Hardy, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of early childhood special education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She earned her Ph.D. in early childhood special education from Vanderbilt University in 2014 and previously worked as a Head Start teacher and preschool special education teacher in Portland, Oregon. Her work focuses on evidence-based instructional practices, early childhood coaching, mathematics instruction, and the Pyramid Model for supporting young children’s social-emotional development and addressing challenging behavior.

Hardy contributed chapters to Unpacking the Pyramid Model: A Practical Guide for Preschool Teachers, including guidance on creating supportive classroom environments and implementing transitions. She has also published research on early mathematics instruction, teacher efficacy, positive reinforcement, and practice-based coaching.