The Office of Child Development

🌟 We're Hiring! Family Foundations Early Head Start is looking for Infant and Family Specialists (Home Visitors) to join their team! This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone passionate about working with families and young children ages 0–3. 👶💙💛
Interested? Reach out to Chris Dunkerley, Director of the Family Foundations Early Head Start division for more information!

Family Foundations Early Head Start Division | Office of Child Development | University of Pittsburgh History In 1995, the Office of Child Development became one of the initial 17 sites across the country to operate Early Head Start programs. For more than two decades, the Office of Child Development has grown its Family Foundations Early Head Start program to serve more than 300 low-income familes....

The PRIDE Program finished their Parent Village Series last week with "a robust, joyful session." It's always a privilege to come alongside children and families in the community. Special shout out to Medina Jackson, PRIDE director, and team for making the magic happen and to Dr. Rhonda Hall and Linda Vincent from OCD's Division of Family & Community Partnerships for their support and collaboration.

BIG NEWS 📣: We have named the next Executive Director of the Office of Child Development!! Excited to welcome Dr. Levine Brown back “home” to Pitt and OCD come August 2026. 🎊🎊

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Levine Brown as the next Executive Director of The Office of Child Development effective August 15.

Following a national search, she will lead the strategic direction and operations of the OCD — which provides critical support services to thousands of children, youth, and families across Pennsylvania each year. Read more about Dr. Levine Brown and her homecoming to Pitt: https://bit.ly/4eZfPUX

Recently, Family Foundations Early Head Start Mental Health Specialists, LaShawn Hopper, Charlotte King, and Victoria Sabo, along with enrolled mom, Jessica, and her son, had the opportunity to meet with Representative Summer Lee. Representative Lee is sponsoring a bill to expand funding for Head Start/Early Head Start. Jessica shared her story of being enrolled in our program and being engaged in our B.R.A.V.E group. Her story was engaging and powerful and we are thankful for Jessica's willingness to share with the group and for the opportunity to meet with Representative Lee!

Congratulations to Ashley Shafer, Strategic Research & Program Administration Specialist with Family Foundations Early Head Start! Ashley was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Postdoctoral Leadership Award from the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association (UPPDA). This recognition reflects her leadership with UPPDA and continued involvement in postdoctoral advocacy at both the University and national levels. The award will be presented at the Postdoctoral Research Symposium on April 29th. We are very proud!!