Biography
Melissa Dahlin brings a strong background in early childhood education policy analysis, program evaluation, and technical assistance—as well as insights from her years as a preschool teacher in Taiwan—to her work. Her research interests include early childhood education policy and the role of educators and families in supporting young children’s math development.
Before entering the doctoral program, Melissa was an Associate Project Director at Education Development Center (EDC). Her portfolio included the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) and several international education development projects. Previously, she was a program assistant at The Finance Project, where she conducted research and produced reports and tools for policy makers, and an intern at The Children’s Defense Fund, where she supported research to inform policy on full-day kindergarten. In her service roles, she spent several years leading an infant/toddler play group as part of the Homeless Children's Playtime Project in Washington, D.C., and has served as a board member for the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children (OCAEYC).
Melissa's deep commitment to ensuring that all young children and families can access the resources and support they need to thrive guides all of her professional endeavors. She holds a B.A. in History from University of California, Irvine and an M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Melissa Dahlin brings a strong background in early childhood education policy analysis, program evaluation, and technical assistance—as well as insights from her years as a preschool teacher in Taiwan—to her work. Her research interests include early childhood education policy and the role of educators and families in supporting young children’s math development.
Before entering the doctoral program, Melissa was an Associate Project Director at Education Development Center (EDC). Her portfolio included the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) and several international education development projects. Previously, she was a program assistant at The Finance Project, where she conducted research and produced reports and tools for policy makers, and an intern at The Children’s Defense Fund, where she supported research to inform policy on full-day kindergarten. In her service roles, she spent several years leading an infant/toddler play group as part of the Homeless Children's Playtime Project in Washington, D.C., and has served as a board member for the Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children (OCAEYC).
Melissa's deep commitment to ensuring that all young children and families can access the resources and support they need to thrive guides all of her professional endeavors. She holds a B.A. in History from University of California, Irvine and an M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.
