ILCFR 2026 Keynote Speaker

This year’s conference is honored to welcome Dr. Dan Wuori as the keynote speaker, a nationally recognized leader in early childhood policy and an influential voice in the field of child and family well‑being. Dr. Wuori brings decades of experience strengthening the systems that support young children, families, and educational communities. As the Founder and President of Early Childhood Policy Solutions he has worked closely with governors, state legislators, and national organizations to shape evidence‑based policies that improve early learning environments across the country. His commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration aligns directly with this year’s conference theme, making his keynote especially meaningful.

Beyond his policy work, Dr. Wuori serves as a Strategic Advisor on Early Childhood to the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, where he helps guide investments designed to build strong, equitable, and research‑informed systems of care and education. He is known globally for his creative use of social media to share clear, daily insights about child development, resonating with families, educators, and practitioners alike. His recent book, The Daycare Myth (2024), became a top Amazon education best‑seller, sparking important conversations about early childhood care and the misconceptions that shape public dialogue. He is also the author of the forthcoming book Wonderment: Our First Three Years, which continues his mission of helping others understand and support healthy early development.

Dr. Wuori’s keynote address will offer participants a rich interdisciplinary perspective grounded in research, policy experience, and real‑world engagement with families and educators. His work exemplifies the type of cross‑sector collaboration at the heart of this year’s theme, and attendees can expect an inspiring, informative session that deepens understanding and sparks new ideas for strengthening the systems that help children and communities thrive.