ABSTRACT
Armed with research about the significance of the early years and the increasing attention to early learning, educators are beginning to think seriously about strategic efforts toward developing enriched and educative experiences for our young children. A recent commitment by the Smithsonian Institution recognizes the value of early learning through financial support of a planning grant that will bring together experts in early childhood education and researchers focused on museums and young children. Without a national network currently in place, nor comprehensive data available outlining museum programs for early learners, Betsy Bowers approached the need to capture the moment in early learning programming through an informal on-line survey. The survey further indicates that the interest in early learning warrants “a larger and more thorough evaluation of early childhood programming in museums.” Understanding gleaned from years of early childhood research and practice offers tremendous potential to inform practices and provide insights for those working within the museum profession.
