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Jacqueline Jones
President and CEO at Foundation for Child Development
Professional Background
Dr. Jacqueline Jones is a distinguished leader in the field of early childhood education, currently serving as the President and CEO of the Foundation for Child Development. In this role, she is dedicated to advancing the well-being and preparedness of young children through policy, research, and advocacy. Her commitment to improving early learning outcomes has shaped educational practices at both state and national levels.
Before her leadership position at the Foundation, Dr. Jones made significant contributions to the education sector during her time in federal service. As the Senior Advisor on Early Learning to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, she was instrumental in shaping policies that impacted early childhood education across the United States. She gained recognition as the country’s first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning at the U.S. Department of Education, where she played a pivotal role in developing a strategic plan for early learning. This strategic plan focused on the needs of young learners and aimed to enhance their educational experience from preschool through third grade.
Among her many achievements at the Department of Education, Dr. Jones led the establishment of the first Office of Early Learning, fostering collaboration across federal agencies. She also spearheaded initiatives such as the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge, which aimed to improve the quality of early education and incentivized states to innovate in their approaches to early childhood education.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Jones’s academic background is as impressive as her career. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Northwestern University, as well as a Master’s degree from the same distinguished institution. Her educational journey laid a strong foundation for her future work in educational policy, research, and administration. In addition to her formal education, Dr. Jones has contributed to academia as a visiting faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and as a full-time faculty member at the City University of New York. Her extensive research experience spans over 15 years as a Senior Research Scientist at the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ, where she focused on assessing young children's learning and development.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Jacqueline Jones has received numerous accolades for her contributions to early childhood education. Her work influences the educational landscape on a national and international scale, advocating for effective policies that support the learning and development of young children.
Dr. Jones's leadership at the Foundation for Child Development continues to set effective practices, supporting initiatives that ensure all children have access to high-quality early learning experiences. Her passion for this field is not only apparent through her leadership roles but also through her ongoing research and advocacy efforts that focus on the intersection between children’s health, education, and social equity.
In summary, Dr. Jacqueline Jones’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to improving early childhood education in the United States and beyond. Her influence as a policymaker, researcher, and educator resonates across various sectors and continues to shape the landscape of early learning, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovative practices, and a strong foundation for every child's educational journey.
