Junlei Li

Junlei Li is the Saul Zaentz Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Faculty Co-Chair of the Human Development and Education Program at Harvard Graduate School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (2003). His research focuses on supporting frontline professionals who work with children and families, emphasizing strengths-based approaches and developmental relationships. He developed the 'Simple Interactions' framework to enhance practice in low-resource settings and advocates for systemic change rooted in everyday interactions.

Li's work bridges research and practice, addressing early childhood development, family engagement, and policy. He contributes to national and international initiatives, including advisory roles at the U.S. Administration for Children and Families and boards like Child Care Aware of America. His career is influenced by Fred Rogers' legacy, previously serving as co-director at the Fred Rogers Center. He teaches courses on improving human interactions and adult helper support, emphasizing equity, evidence-based interventions, and community engagement.

• Education: Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 2003

His research trends span developmental relationships, institutional care, and policy reform, with a focus on marginalized communities. He collaborates with organizations to design training programs and evaluate interventions, aiming to bridge research insights into real-world practices.

Li advises projects like the Head Start National Center for Family and Community Engagement, focusing on training workshops and policy research. His contributions extend to climate change impacts on childhood health and supporting educators during crises. He leads teams advancing early relational health principles and fostering collaborative learning environments.

Key affiliations include Harvard's Graduate School of Education and the Fred Rogers Center, where he previously held leadership roles. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to strengthen systems supporting children and families.