Winona Hao, manages NASBE’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) work. She provides state policymakers with ECE policy trends, analyses, and technical assistance. Hao oversees NASBE’s ECE State Network where she supports state teams and works with national partners to advance the workforce for children from birth through age eight.
For eight years, Hao taught children from birth to age five in China and the U.S. As an immigrant, she is a strong advocate for dual language learners and believes all children can thrive through effective early education. Hao also worked at Save the Children and the Institute of Public Policy at the George Washington University, from which she also earned a master’s degree in international education policy.
Latest Contributions
Setting Ed Tech and AI Policy for Young Children
By Winona Hao and Janice MakThirty-seven states have AI guidance for schools, but kindergarten rarely gets attention, and pre-K is left out altogether.
States Take Next Steps on Governing AI Use in Schools
By Winona HaoIn 2026, state boards of education are likely to move beyond issuing AI guidance and toward monitoring implementation and possibly developing policies.
Improving Bilingual Education for All Learners
By Winona HaoState policymakers can unlock the full benefits of bilingual education by supporting dual language learners from an early age and expanding access for English-only speakers.
States’ Early Learning Initiatives in 2023 Seed 2024 Plans
By Winona HaoA new NASBE Policy Update examines state actions in on early childhood education in 2023.
State Advances in Early Childhood Education Seed Plans for 2024
By Winona HaoIn 2023, several states made significant strides toward universal pre-K, increased funding and support for early educators, and improved literacy and math instruction.