Laura Pryor (she/her/hers)
Research Director
Laura Pryor, Research Director, conducts research to strengthen California’s early care and education system. Foundational to this work, Laura produces analyses to support expanding opportunities for families to access the early care and education programs that best meet their needs. Laura’s work strives to center priorities most urgent for families and child care providers to contribute to an equitable early care and education system.
Prior to joining the Budget Center in 2023, Laura was an Associate Director at Social Policy Research Associates in the Equity Education and Community Change Division where she led multiple research and evaluation projects. Laura was also a middle school English Language Arts teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the University of California, Berkeley, a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in quantitative methods and evaluation from the University of California, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education.
Laura is a lifelong Californian. She grew up in Southern California and currently resides in the Bay Area. Outside of work, Laura enjoys running and biking on the Bay Area trail systems, visiting new restaurants, and spending time with family.
meet the expert: Laura Pryor
Read more about Laura's story and the work she's doing at the Budget Center in our Q&A.
Recent posts by Laura Pryor
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Issue Brief
Human Impact: Federal Proposals Would Cause Widespread Harm
key takeaway Federal budget proposals threaten to cut funding for essential programs like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, trading away Californians’ health care and food security to fund massive tax breaks for the wealthy — with devastating consequences for millions of families across the state. All Californians deserve access to resources that allow them the opportunity to …Federal PolicyHealth & Safety Net -
Fact Sheet
People With Disabilities Face Great Harm from Federal and State Budget Cuts
key takeaway Cuts to Medi-Cal, IHSS, and other essential programs threaten the health, independence, and well-being of Californians with disabilities. Programs like Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and regional center programs are vital lifelines for people with disabilities in California. They provide essential health care, support, and community-based services that help people …Federal PolicyHealth & Safety Net -
Issue Brief
Two California Families, Two Futures: The Real Cost of Federal Budget Cuts
key takeaway Republican federal budget proposals threaten critical programs for California families — like Head Start and afterschool care — while offering tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%, putting children’s well-being and working parents’ economic security at risk. The federal government funds critical programs and services for California’s families that benefit children across the state, …Federal Policy -
Issue Brief
Higher Wages for Early Care and Education Workers Builds a Stronger System
key takeaway Higher wages for early care and education workers in California are essential to expanding affordable child care, supporting families’ economic security, and addressing long-standing workforce inequities rooted in racial and gender disparities. Access to affordable, nurturing early care and education (ECE) is critical for families’ economic security and positive child development. California’s ECE …Child Care & Preschool -
Fact Sheet
California Funding Trends for Early Care & Education Programs
Over the last sixteen years, California’s early care and education (ECE) system has gone through numerous milestones that have been reflected in state funding. California’s families and child care and preschool providers depend on this funding for access to affordable care and wages to sustain their businesses. Looking back at funding trends over time reveals …Child Care & Preschool
