Early Childhood Education

he American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities

Promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families. ​

The DaSy Center is a national technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). DaSy works with states to support IDEA early intervention and early childhood special education state programs in the development or enhancement of coordinated early childhood longitudinal data systems.

Early childhood initiatives at IES include evaluation studies and technical assistance programs; grant programs to fund research on prekindergarten children (ages 3 to 5); research on infants, toddlers, and young children (birth to five) with or at risk for disabilities; and cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Their mission is to promote the success of licensed providers in quality early care and education, including the provision of professional development, advocacy and community engagement.

Conducts and communicates research to support high quality, effective, early childhood education for all young children.

Since 1948 the Southern Early Childhood Association has brought together preschool, kindergarten, primary teachers & administrators, caregivers, program directors, and individuals working with & for families, to promote quality care and education for young children.

Works to ensure that babies and toddlers benefit from the early connections that are critical to their well-being and development

ACEI, is a global community of educators and advocates interested in sharing new approaches to the education of children and ensuring that these approaches are delivered in ways that enhance children's individual skills and abilities and provide opportunities for success in life.

International Curriculum Association provides international curriculum and professional learning to schools and teachers around the world. We work with more than 15,000 teachers, in over 1000 schools, in 90+ countries globally.

GPE is the largest global fund solely dedicated to transforming education in lower-income countries, and a unique, multi-stakeholder partnership. Includes GPE policies, guidelines, reports and factsheets, as well as partner country and grant documents

The Montessori Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of Montessori education in the United States and abroad. Provides an extensive list of free readings.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducts analysis and develops new data in early childhood education and care (ECEC) to provide
valid, timely and comparable international information to help support countries review
and redesign policies to improve their early childhood services and systems.

SRCD’s mission is rooted in an understanding of child development as an integrated part of lifelong development that takes place in complex and interrelated contexts. It is based on a belief that in order to create reliable, valid, and useful knowledge, developmental science must explore a diverse array of biological, cognitive, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of development through rigorous scientific inquiry that uses multiple perspectives, methods, and levels of analysis.

This site is available in English and Spanish and includes information about conferences, exchanges of experiences among educators, training, the association magazine, and internships. There is also an online library.

Investing in the early years is one of the smartest things a country can do. Early childhood experiences have a profound impact on brain development – affecting learning, health, behavior and ultimately, lifetime opportunities. Includes Strategies, results and partners.