Jennifer Chen, Ed.D.
Education
Ed.D., Human Development & Psychology, Harvard University
Ed.M., Language & Literacy, Harvard University
M.A., Bilingual/Bicultural Education, Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A., Psychology with a minor in Linguistics, Barnard College, Columbia University
Biography
Dr. Jennifer Chen earned her doctorate in human development and psychology from Harvard University. She is an educational scientist who is currently tenured full professor and chair of the Department of Early Childhood Education at Kean University. She is also a senior research fellow at the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER) of Rutgers University.
Dr. Chen is a well-respected scholar who has authored/co-authored more than 90 scholarly publications, including four books, co-edited volumes, and many refereed research articles. Dr. Chen actively engages in research in several areas including teaching and student learning, teaching experiences, dual language development, the infant/toddler workforce, and AI in early childhood education (ECE). Most recently, she has developed the POWER (Purposeful, Optimal, Wise, Ethical, Responsible) framework for guiding AI use in ECE. She has also published in the use/overuse/misuse and the ethical considerations of AI-generative technology and AI-powered tools for use in ECE.
Dr. Chen is an award-winning researcher, distinguished scholar, distinguished college teacher, and research mentor. The honors that have been bestowed on Dr. Chen in recognizing her outstanding scholarly work include the 2022 New Jersey Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators' (NJAECTE’s) Distinguished Scholarship in Early Childhood Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education Award, the 2021 Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Scholarship, the 2020 National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) Foundation Established Career Award for Research on Early Childhood Teacher Education, the Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Kean Faculty Research Mentor of the Year award, a Fulbright Scholar research award to Hong Kong, a book winner award, and many University research awards. Most recently, Dr. Chen was named a 2023 Exchange Leader in the Exchange Leadership Initiative. She was also honored with the 2023 Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the NAECTE Foundation.
Dr. Chen has served in various leadership positions, including as the former president of NJAECTE, the former co-president of the NJAECTE, and a former board director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Fulbright Association.
Follow my scholarly publications at ORCID, ResearchGate, or Google Scholar
Connect with me at LinkedIn
My Book Publications:
My newest book: Responsive Practice for Dual Language Learners in ECE (2024)
My book: Connecting Right from the Start...(2016)
My most recent co-edited books:
(1) Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific (2017)
(2) Casebook: DAP in Early Childhood Programs (2023)
My most recent co-authored book:
Glocalization of Early Childhood Curriculum (2023)
MOST RECENT GRANT
Principal Investigator: Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program at Kean, a grant from the U.S. Department of Education
Grant Award Amount: More than 2.7 million dollars for a four-year grant period (October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2026)
MOST RECENT DISTINGUISHED HONORS AND AWARDS
2023
Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher Educator award from the NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation
2023
Exchange Leader, Exchange Leadership Initiative
2022
Highly Distinguished Publication Award, Kean University
For the article, Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Thriving beyond resilience despite stress: A psychometric evaluation of the newly developed Teacher Stress Scale and the Teacher Thriving Scale. Frontiers in Psychology. 13:862342
2022
NJAECTE’s Distinguished Scholarship in Early Childhood Teacher Education/Early Childhood Education Award
2021
Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Scholarship
2020
Research on Early Childhood Teacher Education Established Career Award from the NAECTE (National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators) Foundation
2016
Winner of the Academic’s Choice Smart Book Award, Book title: Connecting Right from the Start: Fostering Effective Communication with Dual Language Learners
2010
Kean Faculty Research Mentor of the Year Award
2009
Kean Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS (90+) (not all are listed)
Authored/Co-authored Books:
Chen, J. J. (2024). Responsive practice for dual language learners in early childhood education: Theory and case studies. Redleaf Press.
(“an award-winning publisher of early childhood resources”).
ISBN-13: 9780876594933
Winner of the 2016 Academics’ Choice Smart Book Award
Chen, J. J.-L. (2007). How the academic support of parents, teachers, and peers contributes to a student’s achievement: The case of Hong Kong. Lewiston,
NY: Edwin Mellen Press. ISBN-13: 9780773455078
Co-edited Book and Other Volumes:
through age 8. NAEYC. ISBN-13:9781952331121
Li, H., Park, E., & Chen, J. (2017) (Eds.). Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1528-1
Hardcover ISBN-13: 9789811015267
Softcover ISBN-13: 9789811015281
Edited and Co-edited Journal Issues:
Chen, J. J.-L. (2008) (Ed.). School Connections (Action Research). Union, Kean University. [School Connections is a college-based journal]
Chen, J. J.-L. (2008) (Eds.). School Connections (Middle Level Education). Union, Kean University. [School Connections is a college-based journal]
Journal Articles:
Chen, J. J. (2024). A scoping study of AI affordances in early childhood education: Mapping the global landscape, identifying research gaps, and charting future research directions. Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, 81, 701-740. https://doi.org/10.1613/jair.1.16882
Chen, J. J. (2024). An integrated approach to social and emotional teaching (SET): A qualitative study of the beliefs and practices of preschool teachers in the United States. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01803-9
Delaney, V. D., & Chen, J. J. (2024). Developmental considerations and practical recommendations for parents and early childhood educators in the age of AI. Policy Brief. Stanford Graduate School of Education: Public Scholarship Collaborative.
Cutler, C. S., Chen, J. J., & Zhang, A. (2024). Cultural mindsets for supporting preschoolers’ executive functioning. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 52(3), 19-24.
Wu, D., Cai, L., Chen, J. J., & Li, H. (2024). Questioning to elicit inferential responses: A study of teacher-child linguistic interactions during block play activities in Chinese kindergartens. Early Education and Development, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2024.2423274
Chen, J. J., Ren, Y., & O’Neill, S. (2024). Exploring the literacy experiences of preservice early childhood teachers: Social and contextual influences, and implications for teacher education. Education Sciences, 14, 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14101042
Chen, J. J. (2024). Neoliberalism and neocolonialism in the mix: Evidence of glocalization in the globalization-localization dynamics of early childhood
practices in Hong Kong. Policy Futures in Education, 22(6), 1053-1081. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231171977
Chen, J. J., Liang, X., & Lin, J. C. (2024). Weaving the fabric of social and emotional learning in the context of teaching: A Study in Hong Kong Kindergarten classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-024-01682-0
Chen, J. J., & Lin, J. C. (2024). The double-edged sword of artificial intelligence: Wielding the POWER principles to maximize its positive effects and
minimize its negative effects. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 25(1) 146–153.
https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491231169813
Chen, J. J. (2024). In search of silver linings in teaching during COVID-19: A study of early childhood teachers’ perspectives. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and practice, 30(1), 49-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2225436
Chen, J. J. (2023). Pedagogical adaptability as an essential capacity: Reflective practice of applying theory to practice among first-year early childhood teachers during remote instruction. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 44(4), 723-746. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2022.2147879
Chen, J. J. (2023). Reflecting on reflection among early childhood teachers: A study of reflection for, in, and on action intersecting with the technical, practical, and critical dimensions. Reflective Practice, 24(3), 324-346. https://doi.org/10.1080/14623943.2023.2194624
Chen, J. J., & Garcia*, M. M. (2023). Teaching demands and resources: Early childhood teachers’ experiences of remote and hybrid instruction during COVID-19 in the United States. Education 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2023.2206833
Chen, J. J., & Perez, C. (2023). Enhancing assessment and personalized learning through artificial intelligence. Childhood Education, 99(6), 72-79.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2023.2282903
Chen, J. J., & Krieger, N. J. (2023). Learning gain rather than learning loss during COVID-19: A proposal for reframing the narrative. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 24(1), 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491211073144
Chen, J. J., Kacerek*, C. R., & Ruiz*, M. (2023). The letter-naming benchmarks, growth profiles, and the efficacy of an interactive learning app on uppercase letter-name learning for preschool children. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), 6(1), 113-135. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.360
Chen, J. J., & Badolato*, H. (2023). Scaffolding social and emotional learning in preschool children from low-income backgrounds: A study of teacher strategies during COVID-19. Education 3-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2023.2168131
Chen, J. J., & Li, H. (2023). Tian Shi (timing) Di Li (context) Ren He (human capital): A new theoretical framework for analyzing the implementability of imported early childhood practices and making a case for a hybrid model. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 37(2), 292-309. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2022.2107588
Chen, J. J. (2023). Leadership at play in preschool children: A systematic synthesis of nearly nine decades of research. Early Education and Development, 34(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2021.1988036
Chen, J., J., & O’Donnell*, B. (2023). Facilitating children’s social and emotional development in virtual learning: Implications for in-person teaching. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(S1), 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2125128
Chen, J., J., & O’Donnell*, B. (2022). Facilitating children’s social and emotional development in virtual learning: Implications for in-person teaching. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 59(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2125128
Chen, J. J., & Othman*, R. O. (2022). At the helm of navigating the remote instruction terrain. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58, 178–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2110823
Chen, J. J. (2022). Assessing preschool children’s letter-name knowledge: Responsive practices. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(3), 130-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2076532
Chen, J. J., & Kacerek*, C. (2022). Leaders and followers during sociodramatic play: A study of racial/ethnic minority preschool children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 36(3), 517-540. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2021.1960939
Chen, J. J., & Rivera-Vernazza* D. (2022). Communicating digitally: Building preschool teacher-parent partnerships via digital technologies during COVID-19. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51, 1189-1203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01366-7
Chen, J. J., & Adams*, C. B. (2022). Drawing from and expanding their toolboxes: Preschool teachers’ traditional strategies, unconventional opportunities, and novel challenges in scaffolding young children’s social and emotional learning during remote instruction amidst COVID-19. Early Childhood Education Journal, 51, 925-937. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-022-01359-6
Chen, J. J., & Othman*, R. O. (2022). Educational leaders as navigators: How do they sail through the novel remote instruction waters during COVID-19? Kappa Delta Pi Record, 58(4), 178-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2022.2110823
Chen, J. J. (2022). Self-compassion as key to stress resilience among first-year early childhood teachers during COVID-19: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Teaching and Teacher Education, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103627
Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues*, W., & Kaufman*, S. (2022). Thriving beyond resilience despite stress: A psychometric evaluation of the newly developed Teacher Stress Scale and the Teacher Thriving Scale. Frontiers in Psychology. 13:862342. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.862342
Chen, J. J. (2022). Between the foreground and the background lies the middle ground: Painting a harmonious early childhood curriculum landscape. ECNU Review of Education. 5(2), 328-337. https://doi.org/10.1177/20965311221092035
Chen, J. J. (2019). Cultural-developmental perspective: Chinese immigrant students’ academic achievement motivation as an illustrative example. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1153
Chen, J. J., & Ren, Y. (2019). Relationships between home-related factors and bilingual abilities among Chinese-English dual language learners from immigrant, low-income backgrounds. Early Childhood Education Journal, 47(4), 381-393. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-019-00941-9
Chen, J. J., & Ahmadein*, J. (2018). Respectful practices with infants and toddlers: Educating and caring for the youngest children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 46(3), 7-12 [Spanish version, 13-18].
Chen, J. J., & Liang*, X. (2017). Teachers’ literal and inferential questions and children’s responses: A study of teacher-child linguistic interactions during whole-group instruction in Hong Kong kindergarten classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(5), 671-683.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-016-0807-9
Sun, P., Chen, J. J., & Jiang, H. (2017). Coping humor as a mediator between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction among Chinese primary school teachers. Journal of Personnel Psychology, 16(3), 155-159. https://doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000185
Li, H., & Chen, J. J. (2017). Evolution of the early childhood curriculum in China: The impact of social and cultural factors on revolution and innovation. Early Child Development and Care, 187(10), 1471-1483. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2016.1220373
Chen, J. J., Sun, P., & Yu, Z. (2017). A comparative study on parenting of preschool children between the Chinese in China and Chinese immigrants in the United States. Journal of Family Issues, 38(9), 1262–1287. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X15619460
Chen, J. J., Li, H., & Wang, J. (2017). Implementing the Project Approach: A case study of hybrid pedagogy in a Hong Kong kindergarten. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 31(3), 324-341. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2017.1309479
Chen, J. J., Martin, A., & Erdosi-Mehaffey, V. (2017). The process and impact of the Infant/Toddler Credential as professional development: Reflections from multiple perspectives and recommendations for policy. Early Childhood Education Journal, 45(3), 359-368. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-015-0767-5
Li, H., Yang, W., & Chen, J. J. (2016). From ‘Cinderella to beloved princess’: The evolution of early childhood education policy in China. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 10(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-016-0018-2
Li, H., Yang, W., Chen, J. J., & Huang, R. (2016). The development and future challenges of preschool education in China (In Chinese). Early Childhood Education (Educational Sciences), (11), 16-21.
Chen, J. J. (2016). The development of an interlanguage: An analysis of a Chinese student’s English writing. NYS TESOL Journal, 3(1), 47-56.
Chen, J. J., & de Groot Kim, S. (2014). The quality of teachers’ interactive conversations with preschool children from low-income families during small-group and large-group activities. Early Years: An International Research Journal, 34(3), 271-288. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2014.912203
Chen, J. J., & Liu, X. (2012). The mediating role of perceived parental warmth and parental punishment in the psychological well-being of children in rural China. Social Indicators Research, 107(3), 483-508. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-011-9859-9
Chen, J. J.-L., Chen*, T., & Zheng*, X. X. (2012). Parenting styles and practices among Chinese immigrant mothers with young children. Early Child Development and Care, 182(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X15619460
Chen, J. J., & Shire, S. H. (2011). Strategic teaching: Fostering communication skills in diverse young learners. Young Children, 66(2), 20-27.
Chen, J. J.-L. (2010). Gender differences in externalising problems among preschool children: Implications for early childhood educators. Early Child Development and Care, 180(4), 463-474. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430802041011
Chen, J. J.-L. (2008). Grade-level differences: Relations of parental, teacher and peer support to academic engagement and achievement among Hong Kong students. School Psychology International, 29(2), 183-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034308090059
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Relation of academic support from parents, teachers, and peers to Hong Kong adolescents’ academic achievement: The mediating role of academic engagement. Genetic, Social, and General Psychology Monographs, 131(2), 77-127. https://doi.org/10.3200/MONO.131.2.77-127 [Article derived from dissertation research]
(Google Scholar Citation Count: 529 as of July 30, 2024)
Yeh, C. J., Chen, J., Kwong, A., Chiang, L., Wang, Y.-W., & Pu-Folkes, F. (2002). Educators of Asian bilingual students: Pedagogical techniques, strategies and challenges. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 23(4), 296-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434630208666471
*Kean current/former student.
Book Chapters, Book Review, and Other Publications:
Chen, J. J., & Adams*, C. B. (2022). Facilitating preschoolers’ emergent literacy development through a Digital Library. Childhood Education, 98(1), 64-69. https://doi.org/10.1080/00094056.2022.2020553
Chen, J. J. (2017). Early childhood policy in China. In L. Miller, C. Cameron, C. Dalli, & N. Barbour (Eds), SAGE handbook of early childhood policy
(pp. 165-179). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Hong, X., & Chen, J. (2016). A critical analysis of the changing landscape of early childhood education in mainland China: History, policies, progress, and future development. In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. 31-50). Springer.
Li, H., Park, E., & Chen, J. (2016). Different problems, same themes: A summary of this book. In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. 285-289). Springer.
Li, H., Park, E., & Chen, J. (2016). Preface: From sound bites to sound solutions: Advancing the policies for better early childhood education in Asia Pacific. In H. Li, E. Park, & J. Chen (Eds.), Early childhood education policies in Asia Pacific: Advances in theory and practice (pp. vii-xiii). Springer.
Chen, J. J. (2016). Factors affecting the formation and reformation of ethnic identity: A study of the psychological well-being of Chinese immigrant adolescents. In R. Bowers (Ed.), Psychological well-being: Cultural influences, measurement strategies and health implications (pp. 129-143). Nova Science Publishers.
Chen, J. J. (2016). Educating English language learners for success in the 21st century: Facilitating their acquisition of multiliteracies. In M. Yildiz & S. Keengwe (Eds.), Handbook of research on media literacy in the digital world (pp. 75-90). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-9667-9.ch004
Chen, J. (2015). Effective teaching strategies for facilitating the language acquisition of English language learners. Idiom, 45(2), 14-16.
Chen, J. (2014). What is dual language immersion, and what does research say about its effectiveness? In K. N. Nemeth (Ed.), Young dual language learners: A guide for PreK-3 leaders (pp. 89-90). Philadelphia, PA: Caslon Publishing.
Chen, J. J.-L. (2013). Gifted and talented education in New York City: One Chinese family’s perspective and experience. In J. Cai & D. Yun (Eds.), Gifted education in the USA (pp. 167-175) [in Chinese]. China: Zhijiang Education Publisher.
Chen, J. (2013). Preschool programs. In Ainsworth, J. (Ed.), Sociology of education: An A-to-Z guide (Vol. 2, pp. 600-604). Sage Publications.
Chen, J. (2013, March 29). [Review of the Book Language building blocks: Essential linguistics for early childhood educators, by A. Pandey]. Teachers College Record, http://www.tcrecord.org ID Number: 17067.
Chen, J. (2010). Supervised fieldwork guide. Kean University.
Chen, J. & Yildiz, M. (2010). Preparing English language learners for academic success in the 21st century: Teaching multiple literacies. In C. Crawford et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2010 (pp. 3152-3155). AACE.
Yildiz, M, & Chen, J. (2010). Global Literacy Project: Connecting Turkish-American students to their heritage language, culture, and history through media literacy. In C. Crawford et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2010
(pp. 2559-2562). AACE.
Tracey, D. H., & Chen, J. J.-L. (2009). Editors’ introduction. Journal of School Connections, 2(1), 1. Kean University.
Chen, J. J.-L. & Tracey, D. H. (2008). Editors’ introduction. Journal of School Connections, 1(1), 1. Kean University.
Chen, J. J., & Tracey, D. H. (2008). Journal of School Connections. College of Education News, 11(5), 18. Kean University.
Chen, J. J., & Weiland, L. (2007). Helping young children learn mathematics: Strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Exchange, 174,
46-47 & 50-51.
Chen, J. J.-L. (2007). Achievement motivation among Chinese immigrant and Chinese American students: Examining cultural, psychosocial, and
socio-historical contexts. In P. R. Zelick (Ed.), Issues in the psychology of motivation (pp. 97-113). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers.
Chen, J. J. (2007). Possibilities abound: Utilizing technologies and children’s literature to promote multicultural understanding. College of Education News, 11(4), 28 & 31. Union, NJ: Kean University.
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived academic support from parents, teachers, and peers: Relation to Hong Kong adolescents’ academic behavior and achievement in Family Involvement Research Digest. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Family Research Project.
teachers-and-peers-relation-to-hong-kong-adolescents-academic-behavior-and-achievement
Chen, J. J., & Yang, Y. (2003). Implications of Harvard admissions system on Chinese universities [in both English and Chinese]. Higher Educational Research in Areas of Communications, 65(1), 19-25.
*Kean current/former student.
Publications in PsycTESTS:
Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Teacher Stress Scale (TSS) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. PsycTests ID: 999985552. https://doi.org/10.1037/t85552-000
Chen, J. J., Li, Z., Rodrigues, W., & Kaufman, S. (2022). Teacher Thriving Scale (TTS). [Database record]. APA PsycTests. PsycTests ID: 999985551. https://doi.org/10.1037/t85551-000
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Friend/Peer Academic Support Scale (PFASS) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902757. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02757-000
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Academic Engagement Scale (PAES) [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902758. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02758-000
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Parental Academic Support Scale (PPASS). [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902755. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02755-000
Chen, J. J.-L. (2005). Perceived Teacher Academic Support Scale (PTASS). [Database record]. APA PsycTests. ID: 999902756. https://doi.org/10.1037/t02756-000