Early Childhood & Education

HDI expertise provides information to families, early childhood providers, and education systems across an array of issues. From expectant parents to lifelong learners, HDI projects support quality transitions. HDI provides information and training to families, early childhood providers, educators, and related professionals. For more information, contact: Mary Howard.

Latest News

Dr. Mykal Leslie Staff Photo

Leslie to lead Human Development Institute

As Dr. Mykal Leslie steps into his new role as Executive Director of the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute …

Photo of Dr. Harold Kleinert

Staff spotlight: Dr. Harold Kleinert

One day, says Dr. Harold Kleinert with a laugh, his colleagues are going to decide he’s worked enough and tell …

College students in a classroom

HDI LEND welcomes students!

It’s a new school year, and that means new students – and this time, it’s more new students than HDI …

Group photo of campers standing in front of the library on campus

Summer Leadership Experience 2025

It’s hard to figure out what to do after you graduate high school, but there are added complications when you …

Summer Leadership Camp Participants posing on the steps at the UK Student Center

HDI and OVR collaborate to host Summer Leadership Experience

For almost 10 years, the Human Development Institute has operated a summer camp to help high school students with disabilities …

Dr. Nicholas Wright Staff Photo

Wishing Dr. Wright well at Gonzaga University

During his time at HDI, Director of Underserved Populations Dr. Nicholas Wright has enjoyed the opportunity to help bring underrepresented …

Latest Products

In Kentucky, there are increasingly more higher education options for students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). This brief is intended to …

CTPs are higher education programs for individuals with ID that lead to a meaningful credential …

Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs) were created by the Higher Education Opportunities Act (HEOA, 2008). These programs support students …

Important resources to help students achieve their goals of employment and post secondary education, as outlined by the Kentucky Department …

The TAALC project provides professional development training and technical assistance for school teachers and speech language pathologists teams serving students …

View web-based resources for early care and education faculty and professional development providers focused on children birth – 5 with …

Latest Projects

CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities …

The IDEA Data Center (IDC) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to …

The TAALC project provides professional development training and technical assistance for school teachers and speech language pathologists teams serving students …

Through ongoing and regular in-person meetings with the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) Directors for the Division of IDEA Implementation …

The State Personnel Development Grants Program, authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), provides funds to assist states …

Kentucky Post School Outcomes Center (KYPSO) collects data on the transitional experiences of students with disabilities one year after they …

The Kentucky Peer Support Network Project aims to foster friendships, learning, and inclusion for students with significant disabilities in Kentucky …

The Kentucky Alternate Assessment Project (KAAP) has a rich history; as a result of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) …

The Community Work Transition Program (CWTP) is a longstanding project of the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI), serving …