Research in Early Childhood
Research is a crucial element of the early childhood field. Research provides evidence-based information that informs and shapes best practices in early childhood education. It helps educators and practitioners understand what approaches are effective in promoting children's development and learning.
Foundational early childhood research
These studies form the bedrock of our understanding of modern early childhood care and education.
High/Scope Perry Preschool Study (1962-1967)
The High/Scope Perry Preschool study identified both the short- and long-term effects of a high-quality preschool education program for young children living in poverty.
Download (PDF)The Heckman Equation (2012)
The research of James Heckman, a Nobel Prize-winning economics professor, concludes that investing in early childhood education for at-risk children is an effective strategy for reducing social costs.
Visit the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University.
The Abecedarian Project (1972)
A landmark study on the positive, long-term effects of high-quality early care and education, particularly for children living in poverty.
Download (PDF)Contemporary research
These studies are the most recent and relevant to current early childhood education practices.
The National Academy of Medicine explored the implications of the science of child development for professionals who work with young children.
In a follow-up to "Transforming the Workforce," the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommend a framework for a funding strategy to provide high-quality early care and education for young children from birth to kindergarten entry.
Research on the early childhood workforce
These organizations conduct and publish influential research on the early childhood workforce, policies, and best practices.
New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute
A collaborative partnership bringing together researchers from NYC universities, research organizations, and city agencies to conduct actionable research on early care and education policy. Founded in 2015, the Network focuses on the early childhood workforce and creates a space for collaboration to provide evidence for better policies that benefit young children and families in NYC.
University of California at Berkeley
The national leader in early care and education workforce research and policy since 1999. CSCCE develops policy solutions and conducts research on workforce preparation, working conditions, and compensation, advocating for comprehensive public investments that enable the early childhood workforce to deliver high-quality care and education for all children.
Rutgers University
NIEER at Rutgers University improves early childhood learning through research that transforms policy and practice. They monitor national and state progress toward educational excellence, develop model legislation and standards, and work to increase access to quality preschool programs with a focus on equity for children with the least access to resources.
Research and advocacy organization
A nonprofit public-private partnership that advances quality early learning and care for families with children from before birth through their earliest years. For nearly 40 years, they've delivered doula, home visiting, and Early Head Start programs while driving systemic change through research, professional development, and policy advocacy.