Smiling girl
Impact Areas

Access

By conducting research on access we can better understand the challenges, develop targeted interventions, and work towards ensuring that every child has equitable access to quality early education opportunities.

Our research helps to identify disparities and inequities in access to early education programs. It sheds light on the factors that contribute to unequal access, such as income, race/ethnicity, geographic location, or special needs. Understanding these disparities is essential for addressing them and promoting equity in early education. It also provides evidence to inform policy decisions and resource allocation. It helps policymakers understand the specific needs and challenges related to access in different communities or populations. Access to high-quality early education has long-term positive impacts on children's cognitive, social, and emotional development and health. 

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.

girl smiling

Learn more about our work

    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.