The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.
American society is increasingly aware of the value of early education, particularly for the economically disadvantaged. One recent study found that children who received early education at ages three and four were more likely to have finished high school than children who did not. The economic benefits of early childhood education far outweigh the costs, according to a growing body of research.
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) was established at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education with a grant from Pew. The institute is part of Pew’s long-term strategy to encourage universal, voluntary access to high-quality early education for three- and four-year olds. It supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research.
The institute works with state and national policy makers and other organizations to collect, distribute and archive information on the status of early education access, best practices, and public opinion; applies new scientific knowledge to preschool strategy; commissions new research and analysis; provides the media with an independent, research-based perspective on breaking news; stimulates national and state discussions of early education policy; and partners with other organizations to develop a coherent national research agenda.
Pew is no longer active in this line of work, but for more information, view the materials below and visit the National Institute for Early Education Research Web site.
May 04, 2010 - The 2009 State Preschool Yearbook is the seventh in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
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Apr 08, 2009 - The 2008 State Preschool Yearbook is the sixth in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Mar 19, 2008 - This latest Yearbook presents data on state-funded prekindergarten during the 2006-2007 school year.
Dec 10, 2007 - Policy brief reviews the research to explore the role preschool education plays in regard to problem behaviors and makes recommendations that can lead to better behavioral outcomes.
Apr 16, 2007 - Policy report explores common facility issues and outlines strategies policymakers can implement (and in some cases have already implemented) to address early childhood facility needs.
Mar 14, 2007 - The 2006 State Preschool Yearbook: the fourth in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
Mar 23, 2006 - The third in a series of annual reports produced by NIEER that profile state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
Dec 06, 2005 - A NIEER report finding thatthat children attending state-funded pre-k programs in Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia gained significantly regardless of ethnic background or economic circumstances.
Apr 18, 2005 - Description of early education initiatives of the Trusts.
Nov 22, 2004 - The second in a series of annual reports produced by NIEER that profile state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
Feb 19, 2004 - The first in a series of annual reports produced by NIEER that profile state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States.
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