The Next Generation: Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood and Emerging Directions

Young children and families in the U.S. and around the world are living in a fast-changing world. The "new ecology" or contemporary context for the developing child includes: the persistence of inequalities, the demand for quality childcare, the growing impact of a changing climate, increasing conflict, the influence of technology, and the need for increased social connections, among other trends. The early childhood field plays a pivotal role in supporting families during these challenging times. The hope lies in new ways of supporting the nurturance of children, multigenerational strategies, cross-sector collaboration at every level, and remaining open to innovation within a framework of long-standing principles of child development.

Joan Lombardi, Ph.D., is a longstanding champion for young children, families, and those who care for them. Dr. Lombardi is the director of the Early Opportunities Initiative and adjunct professor and senior advisor at the Stanford University Center for Early Childhood, Graduate School of Education

Over the past 50 years, Lombardi has made significant contributions in child and family policy as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations and foundations and as a public servant. She served as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood during the Obama administration and the first Director of the Child Care Bureau during the Clinton administration. She was the founding chair of the Birth to Five Policy Alliance (now the Alliance for Early Success).

Lombardi has served as an advisor to a range of organizations including UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and The World Bank Group, among others. She serves on the Executive Leadership Council of the global Early Childhood Development Action Network and chairs its Global Policy and Advocacy Advisory group. She is also co-chair of the Research Forum for Early Childhood in Emergencies, in collaboration with the Moving Minds Alliance. She was the founder of Global Leaders for Young Children, hosted by the World Forum Foundation.

Lombardi is the author of Time to Care: Redesigning Child Care to Promote Education, Support Families and Build Communities and co-editor of Beacon of Hope: The Promise of Early Head Start for America's Youngest Children.