Amanda E. Carlson approaches early childhood education with a blend of insight, dedication and leadership that has shaped classrooms, guided teachers and strengthened school systems for more than 30 years. As coordinator for early learning at San Marcos Unified School District, she leads the district’s multi-year effort to support Transitional Kindergarten educators in meeting the needs of California’s expanded four-year-old eligibility initiative. Her leadership ensures that both teachers and young learners benefit from a clear, developmentally appropriate path forward. Recognized for her expertise in social, emotional and behavioral strategies for children under age eight, she plays a central role in advancing inclusive and responsive early learning environments.
Ms. Carlson holds a master’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida. Her academic foundation has influenced a career committed to practical innovation and systems thinking. She leads the district’s P3 early learning team as part of the Portrait of a Graduate framework, helping to align services from Transitional Kindergarten through third grade. Her work emphasizes age-appropriate curriculum design, integrated support and sustained collaboration across grade levels.
Before stepping into her current role, Ms. Carlson was a preschool program specialist within the special education department. There, she designed and implemented specialized programs tailored to the diverse needs of young children receiving special education services. Her earlier role as a special education specialist further strengthened her focus on inclusive learning, advocacy and personalized support. She consistently collaborated with teachers, administrators and families to build environments where every child could succeed.
Ms. Carlson began her career at Mardan School, gaining experience in classroom-based special education and being honored as Teacher of the Year. She went on to serve in Orange Unified, continuing her work with students requiring specialized support and contributing to team-based instructional practices. Over the years, she has remained committed to professional growth, often seeking ways to expand her impact beyond the classroom.
In addition to her school-based work, Ms. Carlson has maintained active involvement in professional organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the California Association for the Education of Young Children. These affiliations reflect her engagement with evolving research, best practices and policy in early childhood education.
Ms. Carlson also dedicates time to civic and volunteer work. Her involvement has included supporting Habitat for Humanity and the PACE Center for Girls, as well as participating in charity 5K events for causes including Wounded Warrior and the AIDS Coalition of Jacksonville. Her commitment to community service was recognized by the National PTA with the Very Special Person Award.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Carlson enjoys beach outings, hiking, biking and cheering for her local women’s soccer team, the Waves. Looking ahead, she advocates for stronger national attention to developmentally appropriate practices in early learning. Her vision centers on building educational foundations that empower young children and support the educators who guide them.