Pia Britto, PhD

She is known internationally for her work in the areas of early childhood policy and programs in over 40 low and middle income countries for developing integrated systems and policies for early childhood. In particular, she is investigating the role of governance and finance of national systems in achieving equity, access and quality. Dr. Britto has also been involved in several early intervention program evaluations in Africa and Asia, including a six country evaluation of an innovative approach to improve school readiness. Other aspects of her international work include the conceptualization of a measurement model for quality early childhood services and measuring and implementing the school readiness paradigm - ready children, ready families and ready schools, and understanding the best modalities to support parenting. Most recently, Dr. Britto is involved in research that is examining the relationship between early childhood and peace building. Nationally, within the United States, Dr. Britto is known for her scientific work on young children's early literacy development, and more recently, on understanding issues of identity development of Muslim and Arab children. Dr. Britto obtained her doctoral degree in developmental psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the recipient of several national and international grants and awards in recognition for her work and has published numerous books, articles, chapters and reports, and has presented extensively at conferences, meetings and workshops (academic and non-academic) around the world.