Purpose
Equity in Early Ed Systems Reform, LLC (EEESR) provides strategic consulting services aimed at reforming early care and education (ECE) systems to be more equitable and inclusive. My focus is on ensuring that educators, particularly women of color, are recognized and valued as essential experts in research, policy, leadership, and practice decisions. By addressing the inequities in pay, leadership and pathways within the sector, I aim to work with partners for sustainable and systemic change.
Services
As the Founder and Principal Consultant, I am available to work directly with a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, philanthropic organizations, researchers, advocates, and policy leaders to develop and implement strategies that promote positive change in the ECE sector, and ultimately, good jobs for early educators.
- Dr. Lea J. E. Austin
Policy & Strategy Development
-
Collaborate to generate new ideas, synthesize research findings, and translate insights into practical solutions that inform policy development.
-
Develop actionable strategies that address systemic inequities, strengthen workforce policy, and promote inclusive practices across the ECE sector.
Equity Assessments
-
Through an equity lens and framework, conduct assessments of policies, practices, and systems.
-
Provide recommendations for dismantling systemic inequities within programs, policies, and practices.
Expert Advisement
Reform Solutions
-
Develop and support the implementation of comprehensive reform solutions tailored to the specific needs of communities, be they local, state, national, Tribal or Territories.
-
Provide ongoing support to ensure the successful execution of reform initiatives.
Writing
-
Craft clear, compelling, and persuasive content for policy briefs, reports, and communication materials.
-
Ensure that written materials reflect the voices and experiences of diverse stakeholders.
Project Development
-
Partner with organizations to develop programs and activities that build leadership, advocacy and policy skills among educators educators and others working in the ECE sector.
-
Design opportunities that range from professional development and learning communities to fellowships and degree-based programs.
Qualitative Analysis
-
Conduct in-depth qualitative research and evaluation to understand the experiences and needs of ECE educators, systems leaders, and stakeholders.
-
Analyze data to uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities for systemic reform.
-
Guidance and feedback on projects, engagement strategies, policy proposals, and implementation.
-
Available for speaking engagements, presentations, and strategy sessions to share best practices and insights.
About
_edited.png)
leading with Purpose
Through EEESR, Dr. Austin aims to make a significant impact by working toward equity, with a specific focus on early educators and systems reform.
With a strong commitment to social justice, a deep understanding of the ECE landscape, and well established sector leadership, EEESR is well-positioned to partner with stakeholders to create more just and equitable systems of early care and education.
Expert Leadership
Lea J.E. Austin, as Principal Consultant of EEESR, is an independent leader, strategist, and thought partner.
Dr. Austin is a nationally recognized leader and one of the foremost experts on the U.S. early care and education system and its workforce. With more than 20 years of experience, she is regarded for her experience in workforce compensation, preparation, working conditions, and advancing racial equity, as well as for her ability to create spaces for learning from, with, and in support of early educators.
For 15 years, Dr. Austin helped shape the field through her leadership at the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at UC Berkeley, including six years as Executive Director. She has appeared as an invited expert witness for Congress and statehouses, and served as a key resource for major news outlets including the New York Times, NPR and the NewsHour, LA Times, CNN, and CBS news.
Her interest in ECE workforce research, policy, and activism was spurred by her first job in the sector working with early educators at First 5 Alameda County (California) and later Mills College, where she developed leadership programs in higher education and community settings, and implemented professional development and advocacy initiatives.
She earned her B.A. in Sociology from UC Berkeley, an M.P.A. from California State University, Hayward, and both a master’s degree and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Mills College.
