Emily Darlington is the Quality Counts Program Manager for First 5 Napa County. During her time at First 5, Emily has administered projects such as CARES Plus and Quality Counts where she has provided coaching, professional development advising, and state/regional contract management. Emily has been an integral part of the development of Napa County’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, leading a team of partners in preparing for eligibility for state funding for quality improvement efforts.

Emily obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies and her Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. As part of her MA program, Emily created arts education curriculum for early elementary teachers. Emily brings 19 years of experience in early education, including 10 years as adjunct faculty at both Solano Community College and Napa Valley College.

Emily was born and raised in Napa and continues to make the valley home with her husband and two children.