Our Mission
Early Care and Education | Families |
Neighborhood/Community | Social Context of Education |
Systems/Governance | International |
Goal Two
Preparation of Leaders Through Training and Research Opportunities
NCCF Co-Directors and Research Scientists actively mentor and train masters- and doctoral-level students to become world-class leaders in child and family policy and research. They provide guidance for projects, policy research, and policy briefs and analyses for state, federal, and international agencies. In this process, our graduate fellows and researchers acquire training and skills that prepare them for positions where they can make a positive impact in research, policy, and academia.
Students with policy and research interests in children and families may be considered for Graduate Fellowships. Research Scientists are an integral part of NCCF, managing specific projects, training master’s- and doctoral-level students, and writing policy reports. Research Affiliates are junior faculty at various academic institutions who often have had their primary affiliation with NCCF; as Research Affiliates, they work with NCCF personnel on research studies. Research Assistants provide support on research and policy projects. Additionally, NCCF offers practica to between 25 and 30 master’s and doctoral students each year. Our research and fellowship opportunities include:
Federal Policy Institute | Senior Research Scientists (post-doctoral fellows) |
NCCF Graduate Fellowships | Ed.D., Early Childhood, Policy Focus |
Graduate and Research Assistants | Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Politics and Education |
Research Practicum |
Goal Three
The Construction of Social Policy
Our research work provides the foundation for participation in activities that inform and help shape policies affecting children and families. Using a constructive, integrative strategy that engages lawmakers, education administrators, practitioners, and researchers, we seek to improve social policy and promote equity throughout society. We provide our expertise to state and national committees, conduct inventories of early childhood education policies, partner with states to establish voluntary rating systems for early care and education, and work with other nations to establish early learning standards. Additionally, our policy outreach activities include:
Congressional Testimony | State Consultations |
National Panels | Working with the Media |
Drafting Legislation | Creating Standards |
Public Speaking | Publishing |