Dr. Ava S. Armstead-Cozart is a College Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the NMSU Head Start program in the School of Teacher Preparation, Administration, and Leadership. She is a dedicated scholar, educator, and practitioner with over 24 years of experience in early childhood education, human development, and family science.
Dr. Armstead-Cozart began her teaching career as a lecturer, contributing her expertise to courses on child development, the psychology of relationships, and gateway initiatives designed to foster student belonging and academic success. Dr. Armstead-Cozart has led multiple grant-funded projects focused on advancing early childhood initiatives in both nonprofit and private sectors and served as a policy coordinator to enhance education for students with behavioral goals. She has worked extensively with Head Start and early learning programs to enhance classroom quality, foster stronger teacher-child relationships, and support professional development for educators. Her work is rooted in a commitment to inclusive, evidence-based practices that promote student success, support families, and strengthen early childhood systems.
Research interest
Dr. Armstead-Cozart's research interests center on the impact of relational dynamics on developmental outcomes, with a focus on early relational care, attachment, social-emotional development, trauma-informed practices, and the prevention of challenging behavior in young children.
Academic Background
Ph.D. in Human Science, Oklahoma State University, 2022
Dissertation Title: The Link Between Teacher-Child Relationships and Child Cognitive Outcomes: An Examination of Mediation and Moderation Effects
Graduate Certificate in College Teaching, Oklahoma State University, 2018
M.S. in Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, 2017
B.S. in Business Management, University of Tulsa, 2000
