Dr. La Croix is an Associate Professor in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Program in College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University. Dr. La Croix holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University with a Minor in Early Childhood Education. She began her teaching career as a first- and third grade integrated language arts and social studies teacher in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. During that time, she completed a Master’s of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction at McDaniel College. Dr. La Croix completed her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education with a specialization in Literacy and a secondary concentration in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education at George Mason University. Dr. La Croix’s research focuses on the examination of educational pedagogies and practices that empower early childhood educators to work on behalf of the children they serve to promote socially just and inclusive communities. Primary content areas of specialization include early literacy, social studies, assessment, and behavior guidance practices for inclusive early learning environments.