Welcome to the AERA Early Education/Child Development (EE/CD) SIG!

We are a community of scholars, educators, and practitioners dedicated to advancing research, theory, policy, and practice in early childhood education and child development for children from birth to age eight. Our members include professors, researchers, administrators, policymakers, teacher educators, and graduate students from diverse disciplines. Together, we share a common commitment to understanding and supporting the lives, development, well-being, and education of young children, their families, and the professionals who work with and for them.

Each year, our SIG gathers at the AERA Annual Meeting to exchange ideas through paper presentations, roundtable discussions, poster sessions, and symposia. A highlight of the conference is our SIG Business Meeting, where we share updates, present awards, and connect with colleagues from around the world. We take pride in fostering a welcoming and supportive community, offering both in-person and virtual professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Beyond the conference, we stay connected through our listserv and social media channels. Be sure to check them out for calls for papers, opportunities to serve the SIG, and invitations to review proposals for the annual meeting. We also encourage members to share news, awards, and professional milestones on our Facebook page and other social media platforms. Additionally, we offer writing groups, mentoring workshops, and other opportunities to engage with peers year-round.

To continue making early childhood and child development research a vital part of AERA, we encourage you to renew your membership annually and submit your proposals to the EE/CD SIG.

Thank you for your continued participation and for all you do to support young children and families. We look forward to growing and learning together!

Jennifer Baumgartner, Ph. D.

Professor, School of Education, Louisiana State University 

EECD SIG Chair