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Mary A. Sciaraffa, Ph.D., CFLE

Mary Sciaraffa
Mary.Sciaraffa@eku.edu
859-622-2391

Mary A. Sciaraffa, Ph.D., CFLE

Professor

Education

  • B.S. Psychology Texas Tech University
  • M.S. Human Development & Family Studies Texas Tech University
  • Ph.D. Louisiana State University, Curriculum & Instruction

Research/Academic Interests

  • Early Childhood Development and Education
  • Early Childhood Administration and Leadership
  • Generational Differences
  • Characteristics
  • Intergenerational Relationships
  • Gender Role Development and Human Sexuality
  • Connecting Children to Nature
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • Trauma-informed Care

Publications

Dr. Sciaraffa’s work can be found in several journals including:
  • Sciaraffa, M., Kay, L., Herrin-Prince, K. (2020). "A Study of Appalachian College Students' Attitudes Toward Marriage." Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 37 (1), 42-49.
  • Gannoe, L, Bush, D., Sciaraffa, M., & Kay, A. (2019). "Designing and Implementing Differentiated Learning Opportunities to Support Best Practices for Teachers at all Levels." Dimensions, 47 (3), 22-26.
  • Bush, D., & Sciaraffa, M. (2019). "I Can Do It!" Supporting Young Children's Joy and Independence Through Practical Life Exercises in a Non-Montessori Classroom. Dimensions, 47 (1), 22-24.
  • Sciaraffa, M., Zeanah, P, & Zeanah, C. (2017). Understanding and Promoting Resilience in the Context of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Early Childhood Education Journal, DOI 10.1007/s10643-017-0869-3.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2017, March/April). Re-examining our views of Black boys: Cultural Identity to Enhance our Practice. Child Care Information Exchange, 39 (2), 48-50.
  • Sciaraffa, M. & Flanagan, K. (2015, Spring). Authentic and culturally sensitive Native American activities for young children. Collaborations, 20-24.
  • Garner, S., Sciaraffa, M., & Boulton, P. (2014, Winter). The rights of children and the role of family and consumer science educators. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 106 (1), 71-72.
  • Branscum, A. & Sciaraffa, M. (2013, Winter). Changing millennial attitudes toward older adults. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 105 (1), 18-22.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2013, Spring). Building a connection with nature. Collaborations, 22-26.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2012, Winter). Understanding and supporting the millennial teacher. The Voice, 12-18.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2012, September/October). Suzie’s mommy is having a baby: Don’t freak out! Healthy sexuality development in young children. Child Care Information Exchange, 34 (5), 104-108.
  • Sciaraffa, M. & Randolph, T. (2011, July). You want me to talk to children about what? Responding to the subject of sexuality development in young children. Young Children, 32-38.(2012 Association Media & Publishing Gold EXCEL Award Winner)
She has also authored and co-authored book chapters including:
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2019). Using a Relic of Past Pedogological Practices to Enhance Critical Thinking in 21st Century Classrooms. In H. Blythe, C. Sweet & R. Carpenter (Eds.). It Works for Me with Critical Thinking: A Step-by-Step Guide. EKU Faculty and Staff Books Gallery.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2018). Discovering the Use of Interactive Scenarios to Address Diversity/Global Learning. In H. Blythe, C. Sweet & R. Carpenter (Eds.). It Works for Me with High Impact Practices: A Step-by-Step Guide. EKU Faculty and Staff Books Gallery.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2017). Guide on the side in the form of a text message. In H. Blythe, C. Sweet & R. Carpenter (Eds.). It Works for Me with SoTL: A Step-by-Step Guide. EKU Faculty and Staff Books Gallery.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2017). Community-Based learning with young children in a child development center. In T. Newman (Ed.) Field-Based Learning in Family Life Education: Facilitating High-Impact Experiences in Undergraduate Family Science Programs. Nacogdoches, TX: Stephen F. Austin University Press.
  • Sciaraffa, M. and Neidlinger, N. (2018). Critical Evaluation of Fake News: A Framework for Decision-Making. In T. Scott Smith (Ed.) Cell Phone Distraction, Human Factors, and Litigation, 2nd Ed. Tucson, AZ: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, Inc.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2018). Mobile Media and Young Children. In T. Scott Smith (Ed.) Cell Phone Distraction, Human Factors, and Litigation, 2nd Ed. Tucson, AZ: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, Inc.
  • Sciaraffa, M. (2016). Mobile Media and Young Children. In T. Scott Smith (Ed.) Cell Phone Distraction, Human Factors, and Litigation. Tucson, AZ: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company, Inc.

Associations/Affiliations/Work History

  • Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky. Professor, Child & Family Studies. August 2016-Present Tenured Graduate Faculty, Initial Associate
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana. Associate Professor, Child & Family Studies. August 2014- May 2016 Tenured Frem Boustany Sr. Endowed Professor. Graduate Faculty, Level One appointment.
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana Assistant Professor, Child & Family Studies August 2008- May 2014 . Director, Child & Family Studies Early Childhood Lab (3-5 year olds) August 2010- May 2016.

Awards/Accolades

  • Frem Boustany Sr. Endowed Professorship in Child and Family Studies. August 2014- May 2016
  • Association Media & Publishing Gold EXCEL Award Winner Category: Journal Article 2012
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette Outstanding Advisor Award Academic Year 2008

Licenses/Certifications

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Interface, Master Trainer
  • Certified Family Life Educator (#47784), National Council on Family Relations
  • Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative, Human Subjects Research Training (#6106101)
  • Kentucky ECE-TRIS, Certified Trainer, (#72011), Trainer Level 5
  • Kentucky Partnerships for Families and Children, Parent Café Facilitator
  • Kentucky Strengthening Families, Trainer
  • Eastern Kentucky University, EKU Online Facilitator Certification
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette Quality Matters Course Design Practicum
  • University of Louisiana, Lafayette Independent Applying the QM Rubric
  • Louisiana Pathways Certified Trainer, (#I-504066), Level 3, Department of Social Services
  • Louisiana State Department of Education, Type S certification