ABSTRACT
This chapter articulates why it is critical that research be undertaken in early childhood, redefines research as something that early childhood leaders and educators do as part of their everyday work, understands that early childhood leaders build a positive organisational culture for research and assist others to understand and undertake research and recognises that research is part of early childhood professional identity and expands the knowledge base of the early childhood profession. The chapter describes how to build a professional learning community of practice by explaining the elements of effective research and using reflection and action research and assists leaders to understand their ethical and professional responsibilities to children in relation to research and assist families and communities to have a voice in research. The chapter introduces evidence-based research as a powerful tool with the capacity to provide early childhood leaders and educators with ways to assist and support the improvement of practice.
