Shayna Cook

Shayna Cook is Senior Manager, Early Learning Systems, for the Bainum Family Foundation, where she supports the development and implementation of our programmatic-level strategy and assists with translating lessons learned from implementation of practice and programmatic strategies to effective knowledge building, practice and policy strategies.

Cook joined the Foundation in July 2018, bringing with her a rich background in early childhood education policy, practice and research. She most recently served as Policy Analyst for New America, where she focused on early childhood education and care, workforce, learning technologies, family engagement, early childhood mental health and school discipline practices in the early years and grade levels. Prior to that role, she was a Policy Fellow at ZERO TO THREE. She began her career at the head of the classroom and has taught third grade, Head Start and pre-kindergarten.

Cook holds a Master of Education from American University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Classics with a minor in English from Howard University.

For 50 years, the Bainum Family Foundation, based in Bethesda, Maryland, has helped underserved children and youth exit poverty. The Foundation operates and supports high-quality educational programs and wrap-around services — from childhood through post-secondary education — that contribute to a child’s well-being, healthy development and success in both school and life. We do this through a circle of collaboration that includes parents, educators, other funders, nonprofit partners, policymakers, and business and civic leaders.

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