Elizabeth Crocker

Overview

Elizabeth Crocker’s knowledge in child development, parent engagement, and staff development and as a trainer informs her approach to professional development activities. In planning events, she begins with the community to gain insights about the needs and interests of the participants from local programs, agencies, and providers to ensure that the experience and outcomes are purposeful for those who engage in PITC training. The goal is to ensure that the training positively impacts the quality of care for infants and toddlers and their families and caregivers. 

Crocker serves as the Director of Training and Certification for the Program for Infant/Toddler Care. In this role, she contributes to the design and delivery of programs for delivering PITC essential policies and content in a meaningful way to the diverse sectors of the infant and toddler care community to ensure high-quality care for children and families and professional development and coaching for teachers and providers. These services provide opportunities for learners to recognize joy, purpose, and fulfillment in their work with infants, toddlers, and their families. 

Prior to joining WestEd, Crocker worked in diverse settings in early care and education for over 40 years. She served as the Vice President for Children and Family Services in Oakland and Concord, California, providing Head Start Services to 880 children age birth to 5 and their families comprising dual language programs, home visitation, and developmental playgroups. In her work she supported staff in their engagement in education and training that led to degree attainment and advancement in the field to ensure that leadership represented the local community. Additionally, she contributed to initiatives to support high-quality education for dual language learners. 

Education

• MA in educational leadership, Mills College 
• BA in psychology and social work (dual major), University of California, Berkeley 

Honors, Awards, and Affiliations

The Alameda County Board of Education and Alameda County Superintendent of Schools recognized Crocker’s contribution to the children and families of Alameda County and her role as a member of the Alameda County Childcare Planning Council and her leadership role with the Unity Council on December 2, 2010.