Managing Director, Policy and National Partnerships

• Jan 2022 - Present

Policy Director

• Feb 2016 - Jan 2022

Amanda Guarino, Policy Director for the First Five Years Fund (FFYF), has over fifteen years of experience and policy expertise in early childhood education. In her role as Policy Director, Ms. Guarino leads FFYF’s bipartisan policy development and coordination efforts. Additionally, she manages partnerships and strategic direction with early childhood groups, coalitions, campaigns, and other national organizations. Ms. Guarino joined FFYF after nearly twelve years with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where she held crucial roles at the Administration for Children & Families (ACF) managing programs that support early childhood education and development including Head Start and Child Care.Ms. Guarino holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of the Holy Cross and earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Administration from Columbia University in the city of New York. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and lives on Capitol Hill.

Management and Program Analyst, Office of Child Care

• Jul 2010 - Feb 2016

Played a crucial role in the Administration for Children & Families’ management of programs that support early childhood education and development. Provided strategic direction, leadership, and consultation regarding the coordination and delivery of Technical Assistance (TA) activities. This coordination included implementation of process quality improvement, budget monitoring considerations, Child Care/Head Start collaboration activities, and effective communication across federal programs and TA projects. Additionally managed several TA projects including the State Capacity Building Center, the next iteration of the State Systems Specialist Network. Worked tirelessly to ensure the delivery of TA is systematic, of high quality, responsive to grantee needs, and outcome driven.

Head Start Program Specialist

• Jun 2006 - Jul 2010

Presidential Management Fellow

• Jun 2004 - May 2006