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 asset review of early care and education in Minnesota
• A study of the costs to K-12 of not investing in early education for low-income children
• A policy brief on policies for supporting family, friend, and neighbor care
• 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
• Evaluation of Invest Early, the Blandin Foundation’s school readiness initiative
• Evaluation consultant to the Minnesota Initiative Foundations’ Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, promoting early childhood care and education opportunities throughout the state

Report examples