For more than 30 years, she has focused on the developmental and mental health needs of children at environmental risk, with a specific emphasis on preventing maladaptive outcomes through early childhood intervention programs. Dr. Harden led a review of the current academic literature on early childhood program quality and afterschool programs and described the implications of study findings for practice and policy. She co-leads a Technical Work Group in consultation with the Department of Education (ED) and recruits individuals with substantive expertise in both early childhood education and research to serve as expert advisors. In addition, she analyzes data and prepares written reports on findings and implementation of best practices. Christine Hartley