Sara Van Valkenburgh
she/her
Program and Policy Analyst
Sara Van Valkenburgh has a background in early childhood education and public policy, with experience in classroom teaching, budget and data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. With more than six years as a Head Start preschool teacher, she grounds her policy and research work in firsthand knowledge of the early childhood workforce and the needs of children and families.
While completing her Master of Public Policy, Sara developed strong skills in data analysis and policy design, which she now applies to strengthening early childhood finance, governance, and data systems. She is committed to building sustainable funding structures that support educators and expand access to high-quality care for historically underserved communities.
Sara holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute.
Sara Van Valkenburgh
Program and Policy Analyst
Sara Van Valkenburgh has a background in early childhood education and public policy, with experience in classroom teaching, budget and data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. With more than six years as a Head Start preschool teacher, she grounds her policy and research work in firsthand knowledge of the early childhood workforce and the needs of children and families.
While completing her Master of Public Policy, Sara developed strong skills in data analysis and policy design, which she now applies to strengthening early childhood finance, governance, and data systems. She is committed to building sustainable funding structures that support educators and expand access to high-quality care for historically underserved communities.
Sara holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from the Erikson Institute.