Conference Goals

The goals of NRCEC are to:

• identify and disseminate research relevant to young children (birth to 8 years) and their families;
• encourage collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build evidence that informs policy and practice;
• and foster discussion of research priorities, gaps, and needs

ACF programs support the social and economic well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. This includes investments in early childhood programs that promote economic security, health and safety, and positive developmental trajectories for young children and their families. Federal, state, and local governments make substantial investments to deliver high quality programs to young children and their families, and there is a robust and growing body of research to inform those investments. However, many questions remain about how government programs can most effectively and efficiently support the well-being of young children and their families.

Research presented at the conference addressed these knowledge gaps across programs serving young children and their families. The ACF NRCEC 2026 presented the latest research and its implications for policy and practice surrounding Head Start, child care, home visiting, child welfare, special education, pre-kindergarten, early elementary, and other early childhood programs.

The conference welcomed submissions from all relevant fields including education, child development, political science, public policy, psychology, sociology, public and allied health, pediatrics, psychiatry, nursing, social work, dentistry, anthropology, law, and economics.

Attendees at the conference included academic and professional researchers, early childhood program administrators and practitioners, training and technical assistance providers, and federal, state, and local policymakers.

The views expressed by presenters at the conference did not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Administration for Children and Families or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conference Logistics

When and where was the ACF NRCEC 2026 held?  

The ACF NRCEC 2026 was held June 22—24, 2026 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott  hotel in Arlington, VA. 

Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attending the conference?

CEUs were not offered for attending.

Conference Content

What types of sessions were included in the conference?

The 2026 conference included plenary sessions, symposia, poster symposia, poster sessions, professional development sessions, and other events.

What topics were discussed at the conference?

The conference addressed knowledge gaps across programs serving young children and their families by presenting the latest research surrounding Head Start, child care, home visiting, child welfare, special education, pre-kindergarten, early elementary, and other early childhood programs.

Who was the conference intended for?

The conference was intended for a broad audience, including academic and professional researchers, early childhood program administrators and practitioners, training and technical assistance providers, and federal, state, and local policymakers.

Registration

Was there a registration fee for the conference?

Registration for this event was free and open to the public.

General Questions

How can I stay updated on NRCEC?

Sign up for the ACF NRCEC email list to receive conference updates.

Whom do I contact with additional questions?

Please contact NRCEC@air.org if you have additional questions.