She received her B.A. and M.A. from Eastern Illinois University and taught in early childhood compensatory programs, a lab school, and community college. Kroeger completed her Ph.D. in early childhood at University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying the partnership practices in a diverse primary school. Her research focuses on identity, parent and teacher interactions, curriculum development for young children, and community action for social change. Recently, she has contributed to the professional development of Head Start teachers in family-school partnerships.