National Institute for Early Education Research
National Institute for Early Education Research

About

Our Purpose

NIEER conducts academic research to inform policy supporting high-quality, early education for all young children and promoting the physical, cognitive, and social development needed for children to succeed in school and later life. NIEER provides independent, research-based analysis and technical assistance to policymakers, journalists, researchers, and educators. (see Mission)

Our Research Program

  • Provides a vision of early education excellence in terms policymakers can use and the public can understand
  • Monitors and evaluates national and state progress toward early educational excellence
  • Develops and analyzes model legislation, standards, regulations, and other policies required to improve quality and increase access to good preschool programs
  • Explains the costs, outcomes, and economic benefits of alternative policies

NIEER works with state and national policy makers and other organizations to:

  • Collect, archive, and disseminate information on the status of early education access and quality, exemplary practices and policies, and public opinion
  • Develop research and communication strategies to fill gaps in knowledge and to effectively apply scientific knowledge to early education policy
  • Commission new research and analysis to be carried out by NIEER staff, visiting scholars, and researchers at other institutions
  • Create a rapid response capacity to provide the media with an independent, research-based perspective on breaking news
  • Stimulate national and state discussion of early education policy
  • Partner with other organizations to develop a coherent national research agenda and to deliver and publicize vital information about early education

Our Supporters

  • Annie E. Casey Foundation
  • Center for American Progress
  • Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
  • Foundation for Child Development
  • Fundacio Carulla-AELO TU
  • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
  • Heising-Simons Foundation
  • W.K. Kellogg Foundation
  • The Nicholson Foundation
  • National Science Foundation
  • US Department of Education
  • The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
  • The William Penn Foundation
  • The Pew Charitable Trusts
  • PNC Foundation
  • The Prudential Foundation
  • PSE&G Foundation
  • Schumann Fund for New Jersey
  • Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation