Katherine Kicey

Katherine Kicey holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood Studies program. She focuses on elevating the early childhood profession and empowers online students through coursework and hands-on experience with young children aged 0-5 years. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes relationship-based and play-focused approaches.

Prior to her ASU role, Katherine has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, teaching children from toddlers to first graders. Her experience includes work with school districts, the ASU Child Development Lab, Title One schools, second language learners, home visiting programs, and inclusive classrooms. She has also contributed to the First Things First grant initiative, serving as a director mentor, inclusion coach, and training infant, toddler, and preschool providers in play- and relationship-based approaches at childcare and Head Start centers across Arizona.

Katherine serves as the Chair of Arizona’s Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) In-Service Committee, leading initiatives to improve early childhood professional development. She also holds an Infant and Toddler Mental Health Faculty Research Endorsement. She collaborates closely with the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC). Additionally, she is the Chair of the Arizona Association for Infant Mental Health Advocacy Committee and is on the board of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. Katherine is also engaged with the ECHO Early child Collaborative, providing professional development to early childhood professionals.