Center for Early Education and Development
Supporting and strengthening the early childhood workforce
Since 1975, the Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) has supported early care and education professionals who help children from infancy through age eight learn and develop to the best of their abilities. Part of the Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota, home to the #1 ranked developmental psychology program in the nation, CEED specializes in bringing early childhood research to practice. As the applied research arm of ICD, CEED regularly collaborates with students and community partners to put early childhood research into practice.
We're driven to make a difference
Quote from Saideh Stoltz
The researchers at CEED are so kind and welcoming! As a research assistant, I helped organize and analyze data from several projects. I gained expertise in using Qualitrics and Excel and strengthened my ability to draw conclusions from research findings. I also gained knowledge of reflective practice, an essential skill set for those who work with children. I’m currently a developmental psychology major with a minor in speech, language, hearing sciences on track to graduate in spring 2021. I plan to get certified as a doula during a gap year while evaluating speech-language pathology master’s programs.
Our approach
Program quality
We observe, evaluate, and train coaches working with teachers, providers, and administrators in the early childhood education field to help them build their relationship-based professional development skills and maximize program success. We specialize in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®), the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS), and several standardized early childhood assessment tools (e.g., Desired Results Developmental Profile and COR advantage).
Research and evaluation
We work with practitioners to answer their biggest questions in the areas of early education and development. Using evidence-based methodologies, we help our partners determine the efficacy of their early care and education programming so they can better serve young children and their families.
Reflective practice
Our experts provide training and research around reflective practice to improve the effectiveness of the early childhood workforce. We aim to support early childhood professionals to prevent burnout and maximize outcomes for the infants, children, and families they serve.
Professional development
We offer online and in-person professional development opportunities to support professionals in all disciplines who touch the lives of young children. All of our courses and trainings draw on current research and aim to build upon theoretical foundations, provide opportunities to practice new skills, and opportunities to reflect on what was learned and how to embed it in practice.
Work with CEED
Are you an undergraduate or graduate student interested in learning more about CEED, its research, or its professional development offerings? CEED provides opportunities for students to conduct applied research and evaluation. For example, students can learn survey development, data collection, data analysis, report writing, and dissemination skills by working with CEED researchers.