Dr. Robert Reifel

Biography

Robert S. Reifel is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the College of Education, University of Texas at Austin. His scholarship addresses early childhood education with a particular focus on children's classroom play and teacher education. He has contributed significantly to the field through edited scholarly series, including 'Play & Culture Studies' and 'Advances in Early Education and Day Care.' Additionally, he co-authored the book 'Play in Child Development' (4th ed., 2012), which emphasizes the importance of play in early childhood learning. Dr. Reifel continues to engage in publishing works related to early childhood curriculum and teacher education, highlighting his dedication to advancing educational practices for young learners. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Stanford University, followed by an Ed.D. from UCLA, further specializing in early childhood education, play therapy, and early development.

Research Interests