Dr. Paula Kerchenski is an Assistant Professor of Family Studies and Human Development at Utah Tech University, where she teaches courses in early childhood education, inclusion, and child development. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Science in Inclusion Education and Special Education from Niagara University. She later earned her Ph.D. in Special Education with an Early Childhood focus from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dr. Kerchenski’s research and professional work center on inclusive education and innovative ways to support children with disabilities. Her publications and conference presentations have focused on increasing physical activity in children with disabilities through online interventions that enable practitioners to reach children in rural and underserved communities. She has also presented on strategies for building inclusive early childhood environments and creating effective co-teaching classrooms.
In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Kerchenski serves as the faculty advisor to Utah Tech’s Tiny Trailblazers Preschool, where she collaborates with staff and students to foster inclusive, high-quality early learning experiences. She is an active member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Dr. Kerchenski’s passion for inclusive early childhood education stems from her belief that all children, regardless of ability or background, deserve opportunities to learn, play, and thrive. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to empowering future educators and advancing equitable practices in early learning communities.