The Development, Early Education, and Policy (DEEP) Lab is led by Terri J. Sabol (Assistant Professor and Institute for Policy Research Fellow) in the Human Development and Social Policy Department in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. The DEEP lab applies developmental theory, psychological measurement, and advanced quantitative methods to pressing social policy issues that affect children and families.
FOCUS: SCHOOL READINESS Children prepared to adapt to the school environment when they enter kindergarten are more likely to meet academic and social demands of the classroom and succeed in school and beyond. The DEEP lab focuses on ways to measure and improve children’s readiness for school. 
SPOTLIGHT ON MEASUREMENT We apply state of the art measurement tools and techniques to “get inside” young children’s school and home environments. 
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES To promote children’s school readiness, there is a large and growing movement to invest in high quality education and care of young children before they enter school. Our work at the DEEP Lab explores the effectiveness of early childhood education interventions and why programs may or may not produce positive results for children and families. 
FROM RESEARCH TO POLICY AND PRACTICE The DEEP lab conducts rigorous research to inform early childhood policy decisions and practice. 
DISSEMINATION Check out our latest publications and presentations!