Bosses for Babies

How This Boss Makes an Impact for Children in Florida

Erin has dedicated her career to advocating for quality early learning opportunities and promoting family engagement for children across Florida and beyond. She understands the critical importance of providing working parents with the flexibility needed to care for their children in a way that aligns with their unique needs and lifestyles. At The Children’s Forum, this commitment is reflected in policies that support employees in balancing work and family life. These include generous parental leave, remote work options, a family-friendly office environment where children are welcome, and their visits are celebrated, and flexible schedules to accommodate childcare and school drop-offs and pick-ups. By fostering these practices, The Children’s Forum strives to set the standard for creating a truly family-friendly work environment in today’s workforce."

Bio

Erin Smeltzer is a dedicated advocate and leader in early childhood education, serving as the President and CEO of the Children's Forum. With over fifteen years of unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of early childhood education and experiences, Erin's journey began as an early childhood educator and child care center director.

Erin joined the Florida Department of Education. In this role, she oversaw all statewide quality initiatives funded by the Child Care Development Fund. Erin managed numerous multimillion-dollar projects aimed at creating an integrated early childhood system that placed Florida's youngest children at the forefront. Her initiatives covered professional development, infant/toddler quality, preschool quality, inclusion, and continuous quality improvement. Notably, she spearheaded the development of Florida's first statewide quality improvement system.

In her final years at the Department, Erin managed the Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, solidifying her reputation as a dedicated advocate for early childhood education.
Subsequently, Erin assumed the position of Executive Director at the Association of Early Learning Coalitions. In this capacity, she facilitated sharing best practices statewide and forged partnerships to ensure that all children could access equitable early learning experiences.

In her current role, Erin has expanded her influence beyond Florida, collaborating with other states to bolster their early childhood education systems. Her organization also actively advocates for and supports the critical early care and education workforce.

Erin holds a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia and a Master's in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Her dedication and vision continue to drive positive change in early childhood education, benefiting children and families nationwide.