Katari Coleman, an early childhood education thought leader and expert, directs innovative efforts to advance all children’s school readiness and success. She has expertise in child development, early childhood and afterschool workforce development, family engagement, parent education, Adverse Childhood Experiences, strategic planning, and systems change.
Coleman co-leads the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment (NCASE), a resource and training hub that builds capacity to ensure children can access high-quality afterschool learning that supports their development and boosts their academic achievement. A highly experienced trainer and instructional designer, she brings a deep understanding of learning sciences, adult learning, product development, and traditional and virtual training to NCASE.
Currently, Coleman is working with the Midwest Regional Educational Laboratory to provide Kindergarten Readiness Assessment training for Illinois teachers. Prior to joining EDC, she developed a parent literacy curriculum for Transformation Nashville and led an eight-site federal grant that trained early childhood professionals throughout Tennessee.
Coleman holds a PhD in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola University and an MEd in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute.