Dr Laura Jana is a US-based paediatrician, early educator and social entrepreneur dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of children, families and communities. Laura first gained international recognition through her work with world-renowned paediatrician Dr Spock, and she has more than 20 years’ experience collaborating with parents, educators, government and non-profit organisations, corporations and the media to ensure best outcomes for children. She is the owner of a 200-place early learning centre, an advisor to the world’s largest toy company and is currently a faculty member at Penn State University. Laura is also an early literacy advocate and award-winning author of more than 30 books for children and parents. Her most recent publications, The Toddler Brain and Jumping into Kindergarten, focus on the social–emotional and other skills needed to succeed in the 21st century and their foundational development during the first five years of life. She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and has given three TED talks and several presentations on early childhood to cross-sector audiences, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The World Bank and the UK Parliament.
