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. 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, she has made significant contributions in the areas of child and family policy as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations and foundations and as a public servant.

Lombardi 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. In addition, she was the founding chair of the Birth to Five Policy Alliance (now the Alliance for Early Success).

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.

The Sulzburger Distinguished Lecture Series is made possible through an endowment from the Arthur Sulzberger Family. Please join us for a reception following the talk.

Visitor parking is available at the Science Drive Visitor's Lot, a short walk from the Sanford School. The rate is $2 per hour.

Please note: a Zoom option will be available for this event.