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