Consulting Scientist
rick@wilder.org

Richard studies early care and education use and quality and evaluates the effectiveness of school readiness programs and community-based prevention and capacity-building programs for youth and families.

Richard has 25 years' experience working with diverse community groups and government agencies to design and carry out useful studies and to establish ongoing evaluation systems that help programs improve and measure their outcomes. Richard holds a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Minnesota.

Recent projects

• A statewide study of the child care workforce, with a focus on training and professional development 
• A study of early care and education among low-income families in the Twin Cities and Blue Earth and Nicollet Counties for the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation
• Evaluation of Invest Early, the Blandin Foundation’s school readiness initiative
• Evaluation of the Rochester Area Foundation’s early care and education quality improvement and school readiness initiative called First Steps
• Evaluation of Ready 4 K, a grassroots organizing and advocacy organization for improving policies, systems, and funding to ensure children are ready for school
• A statewide survey on child care provided by family, friends, and neighbors
• Evaluation consultant to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations’ Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, promoting early childhood care and education opportunities throughout the state

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