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Impact Areas

Learning & Development

Our research investigates conditions and practices for optimal child development to influence policies that improve program quality, inform decisions, address inequities, understand long-term impact, and promote evidence-based practices.

Research in learning and development at NIEER primarily focuses on investigating questions raised by policymakers about classroom practices and other learning environments that inform policy development and implementation.  Working in close collaboration with the end users of the research leads to improved research designs and more accurate conclusions, which are more useful for informed decision-making by educators, parents, and policymakers, ensuring evidence-based choices regarding curriculum, instruction, assessment, and resource allocation. Additionally, equity is inherent in the studies because the data highlight disparities in access to various components of high-quality ECE. By revealing evidence-based practices, research in learning and development supports effective teaching, contributing to children's overall success. 

Featured Research

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Learning & Development

State Policies and Guidance Relating to Outdoor and Nature-Based Experiences in Preschool

Learning & Development

Activity Settings, Content, and Pedagogical Strategies in Preschool Classrooms

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Learning & Development

Impacts of the Pandemic on Young Children and Their Parents

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Learning & Development

Paths 2 Play Competence: Teacher’s Play Facilitation in Colombia

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Access Our Research Library

The National Institute for Early Education Research's comprehensive research library serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the field of early childhood education. The library is a repository of research reports, policy briefs, academic papers, and other publications related to early childhood education. Many of the resources in the NIEER Research Library are made available for free as downloadable PDFs or accessible through links.

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Learn More About Our Work

    Policy Landscapes

    NIEER's policy landscapes offer insights into early childhood education policies, enrollment, and nationwide funding. Advocates, policy-makers, and researchers rely on them to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education.

    Research & Program Evaluations

    We evaluate nationwide early childhood programs, rigorously assessing impact. Data-driven evaluations span years, revealing strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvements.

    NIEER Development Tools

    NIEER has created numerous proprietary research tools that include assessments, surveys, cost calculators, and evaluations, used by researchers and educators to gather data, analyze information, and evaluate the effectiveness of early childhood education programs.

    International Journal of Childcare & Education Policy

    The International Journal of Childcare and Education Policy (IJCEP) is a scholarly, peer-reviewed journal focusing on childcare and education policy research for young children.

    Technical Assistance

    NIEER provides technical assistance to state advocates on improving the quality of early care and education programs and understanding the costs associated with high-quality programs. NIEER is producing a series of Guides to PreK Expansion and other resources to support state and national advocates in their efforts to ensure all children have access to high-quality early care and education.

    Partnership with New Jersey

    New Jersey has a rich history of supporting early learning, evidenced by the state's Supreme Court decisions, legal regulations, financial investments, and committed state leadership. However, a pivotal turning point came with a landmark legal decision that sparked significant changes and laid the groundwork for progress over the last two decades.