Program Effectiveness
Research Report
Early Intervention & Early Childhood Special Education Workforce Needs
Findings from a National Survey
Date
May 22, 2024
Our national survey of the EI/ECSE workforce highlights key strengths and concerns. Workers find their roles rewarding, appreciate making a difference for children and families, and are well-qualified, with most holding at least a bachelor’s degree. However, the workforce lacks diversity, which may not reflect the children served, and nearly all workers are female, while more boys receive EI and ECSE services. High-stress levels, large caseloads, inadequate support, and poor compensation are significant issues. Addressing these challenges through better training, support, and innovative solutions is essential to retain and attract qualified professionals, ensuring children and families receive the necessary services without delays.
The Authors
Allison Friedman-Krauss is an Assistant Research Professor at NIEER where she is also the Associate Director for Policy Research and Director of the Infant and Toddler Policy Research Center.
W. Steven (Steve) Barnett is a Board of Governors Professor and the founder and Senior Co-Director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University. Dr. Barnett’s work primarily focuses on public policies regarding early childhood education, child care, and child development.
Tracy Merriman Jost is an Early Childhood Education Policy Specialist at the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University. In that capacity, Ms. Jost works on State and City PreK expansion, costs, and quality benchmark analysis.
Karin Garver is an Early Childhood Education Policy Specialist at NIEER. Her research interests are in national and state early education policy trends, inclusive opportunities for preschool children with disabilities, data systems, systems integration, and public program finance.
About NIEER
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at the Graduate School of Education, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, conducts and disseminates independent research and analysis to inform early childhood education policy.
Suggested Citation
Friedman-Krauss, A. H., Barnett, W. S., Jost, T., & Garver, K. (2024). Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education National Workforce Survey Results. Research Report. New Brunswick, NJ: National Institute for Early Education Research.
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