Media Contact: Briant Coleman (202) 654-6120; [email protected].
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- State Superintendent of Education Jesús Aguirre today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Groginsky as Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning. Following an extensive search and a unanimous recommendation from a search committee, Groginsky was selected from a pool of internal and external candidates.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Groginsky as Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning,” said Jesús Aguirre. “Elizabeth will bring to the position not only highly relevant experience in early learning, but the benefit of working across sectors to improve state policies and practices in the development of early childhood.”
“Early learning is crucial to the District’s efforts in reforming our educational system, and I have worked hard to increase our focus on learning, particularly from birth through age five,” said Mayor Vincent C. Gray. “Hiring Elizabeth Groginsky to focus on this age range is part of that strategy. In her 16-plus years in early-childhood education, Elizabeth has made significant contributions and has helped children and families from diverse backgrounds. She is nationally recognized for building successful relationships with child-care advocates and providers to improve outcomes for students, and will be an exceptional addition to our efforts in early learning.”
In her role, Groginsky will help administer and coordinate programs related to the District’s efforts to expand and improve high-quality child-care and development services in the public and private sectors; develop a comprehensive strategy for the delivery of services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families; and assist parents in selecting and paying for child-care.
“Elizabeth’s expertise in leading the development and implementation of quality early-learning policies and programs will be an asset for the children and families of the District of Columbia,” said U.S. Department of Education Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning Libby Doggett. “High-quality early learning is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our children and the strength of our communities. D.C. is one of the country’s leaders in providing voluntary, high-quality early learning opportunities to all 3- and 4-year-old children, and Elizabeth will help continue that critical work for our youngest students.”
A leading expert on Head Start and early learning, she previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Earth Force, Inc.; Executive Director of Early Childhood Data Collaborative; Director of Early Childhood Education for United Way Worldwide; Director of Head Start State Collaboration for the Office of Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor; Assistant Director, Community and Economic Opportunity Department and Head Start Administrator for Adams County, Colorado. Groginsky serves on several boards and commissions, including the District’s State Early Childhood Development Coordinating Council, which supports and advocates for policies and practices to ensure a comprehensive early childhood education and development systems for infants, toddlers, and young children by improving collaboration and coordination among agencies and community partners in the District of Columbia. Groginsky has also led a national effort to improve state policies and practices in the development and use of early childhood data systems. While working as the Director of Early Childhood education for the United Way Worldwide, she helped expand the number of communities collecting and using population-based early childhood data.
“Elizabeth Groginsky is passionate about improving outcomes for young children and their families,” said Stacey D. Stewart, U.S. President of United Way Worldwide. “As Director of Early Childhood at United Way Worldwide, she led our efforts to improve local early-childhood services using a collaborative, data-driven approach. Her strategic systems-building expertise will help advance the District of Columbia's birth-to-five vision.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to join the District government and help improve the lives of our young children and their families,” said Groginsky. “The District is a national model for early learning programs and is significantly improving the quality of care for infants and toddlers. I look forward to meeting with staff, child-care providers, parents, and early-learning leaders in the coming weeks as we strive for even greater excellence.”
Groginsky holds a master’s degree from the University of Colorado and a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Biography
Elizabeth Groginsky, Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning