Stevanne Auerbach (September 22, 1938 – October 19, 2022[1]), also known as Dr. Toy, was an American educator, child development expert, writer and toyologist.

[6] Dr. Auerbach completed her undergraduate work in education and psychology at Queens College (1960), and also attended the University of Maryland between 1961 and 1962 for courses in child study, guidance and counseling.

She received her MA in special education at George Washington University (1965), and for doctoral work conducted the first cross-cultural study of parents whose children were enrolled in child care as to their expectations and needs.

While enrolled at George Washington University, she was involved in a national survey of legislation providing for Special Education in each state for the Council for Exceptional Children.

At this office, she evaluated Title I programs, created The What Works Series of promising practices, and was responsible for approving the first grant to Sesame Street.

As a mother herself, Auerbach organized the first in-house child care center in the headquarters of the Department of Education for the children of employees of the Agency.