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Early Learning

Through research and deep collaboration, we improve early learning opportunities so children and their families can access a brighter future.

From birth, every child has unlimited potential. High-quality early learning opportunities are key to unlocking that potential, providing children the foundation they need for future success. Whether you’re looking to develop a new approach to early learning or improve an existing one, we can help you evaluate and implement programs and policies to ensure every child from birth through age 8 receives excellent education and care. By paying close attention to data and your local context, we help you develop relevant, evidence-based solutions that encourage healthy child development, meet families’ needs, and support strong early childhood systems.

Early Learning Specialties

  • Early learning program improvement
  • Family, school, and community engagement evaluation and technical assistance
  • Early learning workforce development research
  • Professional development for early childhood educators
  • Early literacy for multilingual children

Featured Work

three people holding circles with a plant

Evaluation

Seattle Preschool Program Process Evaluation

teacher and a student

Virtual Learning Development

Building Excellent Early Education in Colorado

Our Experts

  • Vicki Nishioka
    Vicki Nishioka

    Leader

  • Elizabeth Gandhi
    Elizabeth Gandhi

    Managing Researcher

  • Libbie Brey
    Libbie Brey

    Principal Researcher

  • Kathryn Rooney
    Kathryn Rooney

    Principal Researcher

Building a clear path toward better education for all, together

PARTNER WITH US

Insights & Resources

  • teachers meeting together

    How Wyoming Developed Early Learning Standards for Educators, by Educators

    Wyoming’s collaborative, grassroots process led to early learning standards that have practical relevance for educators across the state.

  • teacher and student

    How Preschool Programs Can Use SEL and Relationships to Foster Lifelong Learning

    Supportive, affirming preschool experiences pave the way for children’s positive perceptions of school and trusting relationships with teachers.

  • two parents with two children

    Parent Involvement in Education

    This classic 1989 brief from researchers Kathleen Cotton and Karen Reed Wikelund remains widely cited and circulated more than 20 years after original publication.

  • an adult carrying a child

    What Administrators Can Do To Ready Their Schools To Support Kindergarten Transitions

    Ensure smooth transitions for all incoming kindergarten students and their families with recommendations in this white paper and "taking action" worksheet.

  • illustration of a teacher with students and a giant book

    Six Ways Principals Can Support the Transition to Kindergarten

    Kindergarten transitions are important for children to succeed in school and later in life. What do principals need to know to help their youngest students thrive?

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