Newly appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Learning at the U.S. Department of Education, Dr. Libby Doggett, visited Siskin Children’s Institute on Tuesday. During her visit, she met with the family of a special needs child who receive services from the Institute as well as toured the Early Learning Center. In addition, Dr. Doggett spent time with local special needs and education advocates including representatives from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the Public Education Foundation.
Institute President and CEO, John Farrimond stated, “It was a true pleasure to welcome Dr. Libby Doggett to Siskin Children’s Institute and to have the opportunity to showcase the amazing work of our staff. Dr. Doggett is an incredible advocate for early childhood development and education. We look forward to continuing to work with our local, regional and national leaders in the future.”
Dr. Doggett leads the Office of Early Learning within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. This office also jointly administers the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge program. As Deputy Assistant Secretary, Dr. Doggett will work to promote the programs and initiatives that will improve access to services for children from birth to age five, including home visiting programs and quality childcare services to ensure success as children begin school. Prior to being appointed, Dr. Doggett directed the Pew Home Visiting Campaign, an effort to promote investments in high-quality home-based programs for vulnerable families.
Dr. Doggett previously held leadership positions with the National Head Start Association and served as the Special Assistant to the Director of Special Education and Executive Director of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council. Dr. Doggett earned her doctorate in early childhood education from the University of Texas-Austin.