The First Step to Reading by Third Grade: Solving the Kindergarten Readiness Gap

About the Presenters

Aruna Gilbert serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Program and Policy Officer for the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County, where she leads the design, implementation, and strategic direction of programs and policy initiatives supporting early childhood education in the region. Under her leadership, the Coalition advances high-quality early learning, strengthens provider supports, and fosters family and community engagement across diverse settings.

Aruna brings a deep commitment to equity and systemic impact, guiding large-scale efforts to ensure young children, families, and educators have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Prior to her current role, she held leadership positions in early learning services and policy advocacy, where she cultivated partnerships with public agencies, community organizations, and educators. Her work is grounded in a belief that intentional program design and responsive policy are essential to closing opportunity gaps and accelerating readiness for all children.

Based in Palm Beach County, Florida, Aruna’s strategic vision and collaborative style help the Coalition translate research into action, monitor meaningful outcomes, and champion best practices for early education. She is recognized for her ability to align program operations with policy frameworks, leading teams that deliver results at scale and with responsiveness to families’ lived realities.

Dr. Hee Jin Bang serves as Vice President of Efficacy Research & Evaluation at Age of Learning, where she leads the development and management of the company’s efficacy-research strategy, including the design and supervision of both quantitative and qualitative studies. With nearly two decades of high-level experience in education and research across the U.S., U.K., France, and South Korea, Dr. Bang has previously held research and policy roles at organizations such as the William T. Grant Foundation and National Writing Project, as well as in university and private-sector settings, including New York University and Amplify Education.

Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from Oxford University, a Master of Education from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. in education from NYU. Dr. Bang has authored or co-authored more than 25 academic publications and research studies, demonstrating her significant contribution to the field of educational effectiveness and early learning.

Dr. Dan Domenech has dedicated more than 50 years to public education, beginning his career as a sixth-grade teacher in Queens, New York, before rising through roles including superintendent, senior executive, and national association leader. As Superintendent of the Fairfax County Public Schools (Virginia’s 12th-largest district) from 1998 to 2004, he championed systemwide reforms including full-day K, expanded advanced placement courses for historically underserved students, and skill-based grouping.

In July 2008, he began serving as Executive Director of the AASA, The School Superintendents Association (formerly American Association of School Administrators), a role he held until February 2023. During his tenure, he spearheaded major initiatives such as the “Learning 2025” commission to help redesign schooling for the 21st century, and oversaw growth of AASA’s professional networks, leadership academies, and advocacy reach.

Born in Cuba and immigrating to the U.S. at age nine, Dr. Domenech brings a deeply personal understanding of bilingual education, equity‐driven leadership, and change within complex school systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College (NYC) and a Ph.D. from Hofstra University (NY). In his post-AASA phase, Dr. Domenech continues to serve as a thought leader in education policy and systems transformation, consulting, writing, and supporting the advancement of school and district leadership.