Converging Compassion Science with Prosocial Education: A Collaborative Model for Early Childhood

Authors

  • Dr. Neal Nghia Nguyen Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Dr. Noelle Balsamo Augustana University
  • Dr. Michael Brady Florida Atlantic University
  • Dr. Conrad Oh-Young California State University at Dominguez Hills

Abstract

Compassion science is a compelling field of study, from which a new paradigm for promoting prosocial and resilient behavior in young children is emerging. Although several health and human service institutions have integrated compassion science into their policies and practices, these benefits have yet to be widely adopted in early childhood education. Given the prevalence and detrimental effects that societal violence, domestic abuse, neglect, and social injustice have on children and adults alike, a robust model for converging compassion science with prosocial early childhood education is warranted. This article proposes a collaborative framework for promoting the science of compassion within the context of prosocial education and describes an instructional paradigm for enhancing social relationships by proliferating compassionate behaviors amongst stakeholders.

 

Author Biographies

Dr. Neal Nghia Nguyen, Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Nguyen is an associate professor of Early Childhood Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in the Department of Education Studies. His research interests include early childhood education and development, neuroscience and early learning, compassion science, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

 

Dr. Noelle Balsamo, Augustana University

Dr. Balsamo is an assistant clinical professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Augustana University. Her research interests include improving identification and description of females with autism spectrum disorder, using evidence-based practices to support the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder in the home, school, and community, promoting parent implemented interventions, integrating compassion and behavioral sciences in early childhood.

 

Dr. Michael Brady, Florida Atlantic University

Dr. Brady was a former professor of Special Education and a former Department Chair at Florida Atlantic University in the Department of Special Education. His research interests include behavioral teaching approaches, particularly with students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. He has an active program of research with college students with developmental disabilities, as well as with teacher preparation and policy outcomes. Dr. Brady was one of the prominent scholars in the field of Special Education. Dr. Brady has passed away in the winter of 2021 after over two decades of dedication and exceptional leadership and services to the Department of Special Education at Florida Atlantic University.

 

Dr. Conrad Oh-Young, California State University at Dominguez Hills

Dr. Oh-Young is an associate professor of early childhood and special education at California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson, California in the Department of Special Education. His research interests include investigating the use of technology with young children both with and without disabilities and science instruction in early childhood settings.

 

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Published

11/13/2026

How to Cite

Nguyen, D. N. N., Balsamo, D. N., Brady, D. M., & Oh-Young, D. C. (2026). Converging Compassion Science with Prosocial Education: A Collaborative Model for Early Childhood . The Excellence in Education Journal (EEJ), 15(1). Retrieved from https://excellenceineducationjournal.org/index.php/eej/article/view/809

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): Excellence in Education Journal

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 The Excellence in Education Journal (EEJ)

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