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Pia Britto, PhD

Assistant Professor Adjunct

Appointments

Biography

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.

Education & Training

  • PhD
    Columbia University (1999)

Honors & Recognition

AwardAwarding OrganizationDate
Dina Feitelson Research AwardInternational Reading Association2008
Early Career AwardAmerican Educational Research Association2003
Outstanding Dissertation AwardInternational Reading Association2001
Dissertation with DistinctionColumbia University1999

Professional Service

OrganizationRoleDate
Head Start Research Conference Program & Review Committees 2009 - 2010
Consultative Group on Early Child Care and Development Policy Committee 2009 - Present
National Preschool Study, India. 2009 - Present
Women, Religion and Globalization Study Group 2008 - 2009
Ridgefield Public School DistrictKindergarten Study Committee 2008 - 2009
Yale Students for UNICEF 2008 - 2009
Society for Research in Child DevelopmentInternational Affairs Committee 2005 - 2009
Early Childhood Research Quarterly InternationalBernard van Leer Publication Child Development Developmental Psychology Journal of Behavioral Development Journal of Family Studies 2005 - 2009
Consultative Group for Early Care and Child Development 2004 - 2009
Yale University’s Interdisciplinary Center for BioethicsChildren’s Rights Forum2004 - 2007
UNICEFIndicators of Family Psychosocial Care for Child Development 2004
HIPPY USAResearch Advisory Board 2002 - 2009
Columbia UniversityRita Gold Center, Teachers College 2000 - 2004

Departments & Organizations