Urie Bronfenbrenner, Head Start co-founder, dies at 88
deb...@comcast.net
September 26, 2005, 11:25 AM EDT
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Urie Bronfenbrenner, a Cornell University professor
emeritus who helped found the national Head Start program, died at his
home Sunday after a long illness, the school announced Monday. He was
88.
The Russian-born Bronfenbrenner _ who was credited with creating the
interdisciplinary domain of human ecology _ was widely regarded as one
of the world's leading scholars in developmental psychology and
child-rearing.
In 1979, Bronfenbrenner developed his groundbreaking concept on the
ecology of human development _ the study of human beings and how they
interact with their environments. His work led to new directions in
basic research and to applications in the design of programs and
policies affecting the well-being of children and families both in the
United States and abroad.
Bronfenbrenner's early work also spurred the creation in 1965 of Head
Start, the federal child development program for low-income children
and their families.
A memorial service will be held Oct. 8, the school said.
He is survived by his wife, Liese; six children, including Kate, who is
the director of labor education research at Cornell; and 13
grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.