Tara McLaughlin

Tara McLaughlin, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Early Years Education at Massey University in New Zealand, where she founded and directs the Early Years Research Lab. She previously worked as a research scientist at the University of Florida’s Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies. Her research focuses on inclusive early intervention and early childhood education, including social-emotional teaching practices, assessment, data-informed teaching, and professional learning.

McLaughlin contributed to Unpacking the Pyramid Model: A Practical Guide for Preschool Teachers and has co-authored research on early childhood professional development, intentional teaching, embedded instruction, and children’s social-emotional competence.