The National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (ncrece) focuses on conducting research, disseminating research findings, and carrying out leadership activities aimed at improving the quality of early childhood education across the United States. The Center is based at the University of Virginia and is directed by Robert Pianta. Major activities include:

• Research – A randomized, controlled evaluation of the effects of two forms of professional development support for teachers. These supports to teachers will improve the implementation of curricula and interactions with children, as well as, promote gains in children’s social and academic development. These approaches will focus in particular on promoting language and literacy skills, domains of child development that operate as gatekeepers to later achievement.
• Dissemination – Producing and distributing peer-reviewed research, and an assortment of consumer-friendly reports and publications
• Leadership – Providing leadership in the field of early childhood education through:
  • Annual national leadership conferences
  • Book series focused on key topics in the field; and
  • Research mentoring support for minority scholars

News

• Now available! The first book in the NCRECE series: The Promise of Pre-K, Robert Pianta & Carollee Howes, Editors. See press release for details and use this order form to save 10%.