David Whitebread is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology of Education and an early years specialist in the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge.

He taught in primary schools, mainly in early years for 12 years. His research interests are concerned with children's cognitive development and implications for early years and primary education.

A particular focus has been the development of metacognitive abilities and self-regulation in young children, including the role of early interactions and play in their development. Other interests include the application of cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology to early years education. David is also author of many publications.