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Governor Brown Names Alyssa Chatterjee Acting Director of the Early Learning Division

*News Release by the Governor’s Office. Click here for media contact.*

Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon to take position with Biden-Harris administration

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced that she is naming Alyssa Chatterjee as the Acting Director of the Early Learning Division (ELD) of the Oregon Department of Education, effective May 1. Current Early Learning System Director Miriam Calderon announced today that she has accepted a position with the Biden-Harris administration to work on early learning policy at the national level.

“I’d like to thank Director Calderon for her tireless work to transform our early learning system in Oregon into one grounded in equity, to expand access to high-quality preschool for more children, no matter where they live, and to keep emergency child care open and operating throughout the pandemic. I am so pleased that the Biden-Harris administration will be drawing on her talents and experience at the national level,” said Governor Brown.

“And, I am thrilled to name Alyssa Chatterjee as acting director of the division. Alyssa has led the development of my office’s early learning and child care policy, and has had a key role in shaping policy and supporting the work of my Children’s Cabinet and the Racial Justice Council. She has worked closely with Director Calderon for many years, and I know she will hit the ground running to continue our ongoing work with early learning and child care providers to ensure all children across Oregon can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Chatterjee has focused on early learning policy throughout her time working for the State of Oregon. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office as deputy education policy advisor in August of 2019, Chatterjee was among the first employees at ELD, when the division was formally created. She served in a variety of roles at ELD engaged in policy and planning, including as a policy advisor and legislative coordinator for the agency. As a member of ELD’s executive team, she helped guide the state’s early learning strategic planning process for the 5-year statewide early learning system plan, Raise Up Oregon. She has a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University.

A headshot photo of Chatterjee is available here.

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