Anna Johnson teaches Social Welfare Policy (T6801) at the Columbia University School of Social Work and is a doctoral candidate in Developmental Psychology at Columbia University Teachers College.

Johnson’s research focuses on the intersection of developmental science and social policy, specifically with respect to the role that public social policies can play in enhancing the development of low-income children. In particular, she studies the potential of early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs to reduce school readiness gaps between low-income children and their more advantaged peers. Her dissertation research uses a nationally representative sample of children born in the U.S. in 2001 to examine (1) take-up of the federal child care subsidy program; (2) the impact of program participation on the quality of ECEC that low-income children receive; (3) and the effect of program participation on children’s cognitive and social outcomes in kindergarten. Other research interests include: child and family policy, and the contribution of social and economic inequality to disparities in child and family health and wellbeing.

Johnson received her Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and her Bachelor of Arts degree in government and psychology from Wesleyan University (CT).  Before beginning her doctoral work at Columbia, Johnson worked in New York City at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in the Child Abuse and Family Violence Bureau, and in Bari, Italy, teaching English.

Last updated July 30, 2009 .