LEWISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kaplan Early Learning Company announced today that Laura Bailet, PhD, has accepted a position as Chief Academic Officer. Dr. Bailet had most recently served at Nemours Children’s Health System as Operational VP of Nemours BrightStart!, the program she created to promote reading success for all children, and Assistant Professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

Dr. Bailet’s role at Kaplan will elevate the company’s position and vision, as she will act as a key influencer, spokesperson and policy leader in early childhood education, according to Kaplan President Matthew Marceron.

“Laura’s experience as a psychologist, researcher and advocate on child development and education ensures that Kaplan is best able to support early childhood educators,” Marceron said. “She will travel extensively across the country to consult with early learning leaders, spearhead public policy efforts and increase awareness of our innovative resources.”

Dr. Bailet has more than 20 years’ experience in the field of early childhood. She earned her BA at Wake Forest University and her MA and PhD from Northwestern University. She is a licensed school psychologist and has expertise on a wide range of early childhood topics and learning disorders, including dyslexia and autism. She has published numerous journal articles and book chapters, and has been recognized by many awards boards.

For her accomplishments, Dr. Bailet was selected as the top “Change Agent” in Jacksonville, FL in 2006 and is the recipient of Jacksonville’s prestigious EVE Award for her success in creating Nemours BrightStart! She is a member of the Library of Congress Literary Awards Advisory Board.

“Working at Kaplan will allow me a platform to advocate for early childhood programs and initiatives on a large scale,” Dr. Bailet said. “I’m thrilled to join such a strong leader in the industry.”

About Kaplan Early Learning Company

Kaplan Early Learning Company is based in Lewisville, North Carolina. Kaplan Early Learning Company provides products and services that enhance children’s learning. Since 1968, the company has delivered innovative products and services that support educators and caregivers worldwide in the creation of quality learning environments.