Executive Director Matthew Melmed reflects on the passing of a pioneer in the field of infant/toddler development.
ZERO TO THREE joins the nationwide early childhood community in mourning the passing of J. Ronald Lally, a pioneer in the field of infant and toddler development. Among Lally’s many achievements, he directed one of the first home visiting programs for infants in the United States and played a key role in the design and implementation of Early Head Start. Lally was the last living founder of ZERO TO THREE more than 40 years ago and remained actively involved in the organization as a Director Emeritus.
Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE, stated,
“I first met Ron 25 years ago, when he joined to conduct my first interview here at ZERO TO THREE. Over the years, I came to appreciate and value Ron’s intellect, expertise, passion for babies, and commitment to the field. He was a source of infinite knowledge about early development and a clarion voice for babies in public policy. His wise counsel, impassioned advocacy, and visionary leadership will be sorely missed. And personally, I will miss him as a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. On behalf of all of us here at ZERO TO THREE, our thoughts and prayers are with Ron’s family and loved ones at this time.”
