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The Early Childhood Research Centre (ECRC) builds upon a long tradition of enquiry in the field here at Froebel College.

Based in the School of Education, the ECRC is directed by Professor Kevin J. Brehony, whose historical research on the kindergarten and the Froebel movement is internationally known.  There are eight full-time staff in the centre who represent a wide range of research interests and disciplinary backgrounds across the entire field of Early Childhood Studies, including history, policy, and practice. In addition, there are currently six MPhil/Phd research students in ECRC.  Renowned internationally for her work in early childhood education, Tina Bruce CBE, is Visiting Professor at the centre.

The Centre's interdisciplinary nature is complemented by internationally-recognised research strengths in early childhood history and policy as well as in professional development, measures of quality in early years provision and children's thinking. ECRC members have proven successful in competing for external research funding; Dr Elise Alexander's (2006-2008) £250,000 ESRC-funded project and Dr Kristen Nawrotzki's 2007-2009 National Academy of Education Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship (US$55,000) being leading examples.

The ECRC has strong international links that include universities in the USA, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and members' recent projects have included analyses of early years policies and provision in Spanish, United States, Russian, and Chinese contexts.

A prominent feature of the ECRC is the Froebel Archive for Childhood Studies whose unique collection of materials for the study of Friedrich Froebel and the Froebel movement draws researchers from all over the world.

ECRC welcomes applications from prospective PhD and MPhil students who should contact Professor Kevin J. Brehony. The Centre also welcomes enquiries from potential visiting scholars.