Lessons from Research About Young Children The Ministry has worked with leading experts in the field of early childhood education to develop six research briefs for educators working in early years settings. We are pleased to present these briefs, which highlight the latest research in early childhood development, strategies to put the key ideas into practice and reflective questions for educators. You will notice a common thread throughout the briefs: a view of the child as competent, capable of complex thinking, curious, and rich in potential.