Joan Maltese, Ph.D.

Joan Maltese, Ph.D.

Joan Maltese, PhD, is the Founder of the Child Development Institute, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help all children reach their full potential by supporting the relationships and environments that shape early development. Dr. Maltese is a clinical psychologist with more than 40 years of experience working with high-risk infants, toddlers, and their families. She is on the faculty of the Early Childhood Education Graduate Program at California State University, Northridge. Dr. Maltese provided consultation to First 5 LA in designing its new Best Start Program and participates with First 5 LA’s Workforce Development Workgroup. She is one of the people responsible for the vision and oversight of CDI’s Early Learning Centers in Canoga Park and Reseda, a volunteer-run, nature-based drop-in center for children and families to play, grow, and learn about child development.