Jane Beach has been engaged in early learning and child care (ELCC) policy for the last four decades.  She has worn a multitude of hats over the years from centre director to senior management in government. As an independent research consultant for the last 29 years, Jane has undertaken several pan-Canadian studies on the ELCC workforce, conducted comprehensive policy and funding reviews for municipal and provincial governments, developed long-term child care expansion plans for a number of post secondary institutions, conducted numerous child care needs assessments, worked on ELCC policy internationally and has served on numerous advisory bodies. She also has had a long-standing collaboration with the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, co-authoring numerous editions of Early Childhood Education and Care in Canada.

Among her current activities, she is lead researcher on a multiyear project examining successes and challenges in building capacity and expanding child care in the public and non profit sectors in Canada.