Lara Kyriakou

Associate Director of Early Childhood Education Policy and Advocacy

Lara leads the early childhood work at The Education Trust–New York, including coordinating the statewide Raising NY coalition of parent, early childhood, education, civil rights, business, and health organizations.

Lara focuses on advancing policies that support infants and toddlers during the first critical years of life to strengthen school readiness for young children across New York State.

Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Lara worked at the South Bronx Rising Together initiative at Children’s Aid Society where she worked with community stakeholders to strengthen early childhood systems in the South Bronx through a collective impact model. Lara has also worked in research settings at New York University and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as community-based positions as a home visitor for families with young children and an early childhood child care teacher in Philadelphia.

Lara holds a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in interdisciplinary studies in human development and a bachelor’s degree from Pace University in psychology with a minor in women and gender studies.

Superpower/Secret Talent

Sharing a good Simpsons quote for just about any occasion.

What drew you to education?

Infants and toddlers are brilliant; we all learn more in the first three years than at any other time in our lives and I am dedicated to advocating for the respect and resources that young children, families, and early childhood education professionals deserve!

Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?

The Education Trust–NY is committed to centering equity within the education system, and I am so excited to join this organization and contribute to its fantastic early childhood work that is fighting for infants and toddlers, their families, and the early childhood education professionals.