Beamon most recently served as Provider Engagement Coordinator for PHLpreK, playing a critical role in the initial development and implementation of the city’s free, quality pre-K program over the previous year. Beamon has spent the past several years working with early learning programs in Pennsylvania to implement best practices and policies.

“Julie’s commitment to improving quality in the early childhood education sector, combined with her excellent track record working with pre-K providers and key stakeholders make her an excellent choice for PHLpreK director as we continue strengthening the program,” said Kenney. “She has extensive knowledge of early childhood education at the policy and ground level, and has modeled both leadership and collaboration to advance systemic change in the field.”

“I look forward to collaborating with our partners to expand and deepen the impact of PHLpreK, which has already helped so many families and local businesses,” said Beamon. “I am honored to lead a hardworking team that helped to launch the program, and am committed to achieving the Mayor’s vision of ensuring that all Philadelphia children can access quality early education.”

“Julie has been critical to the success of PHLpreK in its formative phase,” said Carol Austin, Executive Director at Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children and chair of the city’s pre-K advisory board. “Julie is the right person to convene stakeholders, coordinate with providers and partners, and lead the City’s effort to give all children the quality, affordable early education they deserve in order to become kindergarten-ready.”

Prior to working in the Mayor’s Office of Education, Beamon was an Early Learning Program Certification Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), an Early Intervention Service Coordinator and Special Projects Manager for Elwyn SEEDS, and a Site Coordinator in the Southeast Delco School District. She also taught English for six years in the Abington School District.

A graduate of Philadelphia public schools, Beamon earned her B.A. in English from Howard University and M.Ed in English Education from The Ohio State University. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and her son, who is a public school student.