Our History

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) was established at Rutgers University in 2002 with a grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts. We are a nonpartisan research center that aims to improve early childhood education access and quality. NIEER conducts rigorous research, provides policy recommendations, and offers professional development for educators. We communicate research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children to enhance their physical, cognitive, and social development and subsequent success in school and later life. Our work offers independent evaluations and research-based technical assistance to policymakers, journalists, researchers, and educators at the state and national levels. Since 2002 NIEER has produced the State of Preschool Yearbook, the only national report that annually tracks state-funded preschool program funding, access, and policies. This report is indispensable for policymakers, advocates, and researchers to make informed decisions on early childhood education and NIEER has moved forward with similar, equity focused reports on Head Start, Early Intervention, and Early Childhood Special Education. The institute was founded and is Co-Directed by W. Steven Barnett.