Rebecca Pruitt, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Educational Studies and Director of Early Childhood Special Education at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. Prior to her transition into higher education, she served children, families and educators for nearly 20 years as an early childhood teacher and program director, parent educator, and kindergarten literacy interventionist. Before joining Lewis in the fall of 2012, she served as Department Head of Early Care and Education at Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies, an MS in Family Relations and Child Development, and a BA in Child Care Administration.