research Archives - Early Learning Nation

Heat, Floods, Storms Limit Outdoor Play for Young Children, Surveys Show

Parents and child care providers report spending less time outside with children and suffering health and economic harm from extreme weather.

K.C. Compton·May 13, 2025·5 min read

Physical activity is crucial for young children’s well-being. Outdoor play not only supports children’s physical health and their social and...

RAPID Celebrates Five Years of Surveys

What makes RAPID surveys unique is the priority of disseminating results quickly in a format that is accessible and usable.

K.C. Compton·May 13, 2025·2 min read

When the RAPID Survey Project began in April 2020, everyone involved thought it would be a short-lived, ad hoc undertaking...

2024 Research Roundup: 3 Must-Read Studies About Early Care and Education

Three notable studies related to child care and early learning that the field should pay attention to.

Kendra Hurley·Jan 7, 2025·5 min read

As child care received unprecedented attention in this year’s presidential election — with presidential and vice presidential candidates alike pontificating...

In the Rush to COVID Recovery, Did We Forget About Our Youngest Learners?

Research finds the country’s youngest elementary school students aren’t catching back up to pre-pandemic levels in reading and math like older kids.

Lauren Camera·Oct 29, 2024·5 min read

The country’s youngest elementary school students suffered steep academic setbacks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic – just like...

Return on Investment: Study Shows Universal Pre-K Is Among America’s Most Effective Labor Market Policies

Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer·Oct 16, 2024·1 min read

Parents with children enrolled in a universal pre-kindergarten program in New Haven, Connecticut, increased their earnings by an average of...

Research: Excessive Screen Time for Preschoolers Leads to More Outbursts — and Even More Screen Time

Tracking the same kids over three years showed early tablet use leading to increased anger — and even more tablet use.

Kate Rix·Sep 25, 2024·3 min read

This article is produced in partnership with The 74. Young children who spend more than 75 minutes on a...

Oregon Audit Highlights Ongoing Need for Better Early Learning Training and Oversight

The findings align with concerns from current and former staff members quoted in a recent investigation

Kaylee Tornay, InvestigateWest·Sep 19, 2024·3 min read

This article was originally published by InvestigateWest. An audit of the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care found the...