David Jacobson, PhD, works with states, districts, and communities to improve early education and care for low-income children and their families. He specializes in building effective prenatal through grade 3 (P–3) partnerships with the aim of closing achievement gaps, addressing inequality, and building strong communities.
Jacobson brings extensive experience in early childhood education, school improvement, and strategic planning to his work as a senior technical assistance specialist for the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes. In this role, he supports state education agencies in leading sustained improvements in early learning opportunities and outcomes.
Jacobson is the author of numerous publications on P–3 systems and state policy. He developed and writes for the P–3 Learning Hub, a blog that analyzes P–3 developments around the country. As a member of the advisory board for Boston College’s InterconnectED initiative, he also supports state efforts to integrate educational, social service, health, and mental health resources for children.
Jacobson received a BA in history and an MA in philosophy from Brown University and a PhD in sociology from the University of Chicago.
"The P-3 movement creates a promising opportunity for schools, districts, and communities to reduce gaps while raising achievement and life chances for all children."
“How Three States Are Building P–3 Systems”
Eye on Early Education, September 20, 2016
“Districts Play a Key Role in Building Quality Early Education Programs”
Education Week, December 22, 2014
Jacobson, D. (2016, September 12). A working theory of action for P-3 community partnerships.
Jacobson, D. (2016, August). Building state P-3 systems: Learning from leading states (policy report). New Brunswick, NJ: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes.
Jacobson, D. (2014, November). The primary years agenda: Strategies to guide district action. Phi Delta Kappan, 96(3), 63–69.