CHSS Distinguished Alumni - Psychology

Rebecca Ullrich

MA Psychology '15

Rebecca (Becca) Ullrich is an expert in early childhood policy and systems with more than 15 years of professional experience and a strong focus on using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement. 

Ullrich currently serves at the assistant superintendent of early childhood access, enrollment, and policy at the Virginia Department of Education, where she leads efforts to expand access to publicly-funded early childhood programs that promote school readiness for young children. Her work has supported major systems transformation in Virginia over the last 6 years, including unifying early childhood care and education at the VDOE, overseeing major expansions to state childcare assistance programs, and developing a nation-leading “cost of quality” model for state payment rates.  

Prior to her role at VDOE, Ullrich was a policy analyst for two national research and advocacy organizations where she focused on producing analyses to drive federal and state investments in childcare and early education, supporting states to effectively implement CCDF, and demonstrating the impact of harsh immigration enforcement on children’s learning and development.  

Ullrich holds a MA from George Mason in applied developmental psychology and a BS in human development from Virginia Tech. She is also a member of the 2026-2027 cohort of the master's in public education management from the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management.  

Outside of work, Ullrich enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring new parks and playgrounds with her two preschoolers and husband in their hometown of Richmond, Virginia.