Larry Schweinhart is an early childhood program researcher and speaker throughout the United States and in other countries. He has conducted research at the HighScope Educational Research Foundation in Ypsilanti, Michigan, since 1975 and served as its president since 2003. He became president emeritus in 2013. He has directed the HighScope Perry Preschool Study through age 40, the Michigan School Readiness Program Evaluation, HighScope's Head Start Quality Research Center, and the development and validation of the Child Observation Record.

Dr. Schweinhart received a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Mary's Seminary and University in 1969, and a  Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University in 1975.