Kelly A. Hurtado is an accomplished early childhood education leader and advisor with more than two decades of experience strengthening systems that support young children, families, and the professionals who serve them. With a foundation in Human Development and Family Studies and a career spanning early childhood classrooms, large-scale program management, and executive-level leadership, Kelly brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to improving educational quality and workforce capacity.
Kelly’s expertise centers on aligning programs, policies, and community partnerships to elevate outcomes for children—particularly those from vulnerable populations. She has guided the development and implementation of countywide and statewide early childhood initiatives, directed quality improvement efforts, and led cross-sector task forces focused on addressing systemic workforce challenges. Her work blends deep knowledge of early learning systems, grant management, data-driven planning, and the supports necessary for programs and educators to thrive.
Throughout her roles as a teacher, supervisor, program manager, Early Childhood Council Director, and now Chief Operations Officer, Kelly has built and coached high-performing teams, strengthened provider networks, and championed strategies that enhance instructional quality, professional development, and equitable access to early childhood services. She is known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, and ability to translate complex challenges into actionable, mission-aligned solutions.
As an early childhood educational advisor, Kelly leverages her broad experience and results-oriented approach to help organizations, educators, and communities navigate change, optimize systems, and ultimately improve the learning environments and opportunities available to young children.