Marsico Institute for Early Learning

The Marsico Institute for Early Learning is a research and development institute dedicated to improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age eight.

The Marsico Institute works to create and identify the best in early learning research and practice to deliver that information locally, nationally, and abroad. We accomplish this through partnerships with urban and rural school districts, academic institutions, practitioners, policymakers, and families, as these are the people who can create and implement vital changes to improve the lives of young children.  

The Marsico Institute focuses specifically on early childhood, as more than 93% of brain development occurs before the age of five. The quality of relationships and learning opportunities, especially in early math and science, that young children experience can set the stage for what they will be able to accomplish throughout the rest of their lives. 

Research Projects

Marsico Institute for Early Learning conducts research focused on improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age eight. Through the leadership of Co-Executive Directors, Drs. Douglas H. Clements and Julie Sarama, the Marsico Institute staff and post-doctoral fellows focus on development and research to improve access to high-quality early education, with an emphasis on teaching and learning early math and evaluating curricula that supports the whole child.

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Publications

Marsico Institute for Early Learning regularly contributes to the early childhood field through publications and presentations. See more about our work in these areas of expertise.

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Professional Development

Marsico Institute’s staff are experienced education consultants who provide schools, districts, states, and organizations around the world with research-based, tailored guidance and innovative solutions to help focus on what matters most. 

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Early Math Resources

Marsico Institute for Early Learning is a partner in the efforts taking place locally, nationally, and abroad to align and improve early childhood systems. In addition to conducting and disseminating research focused on early math, we are also committed to helping parents, service providers, and community members provide high-quality educational experiences for young children. Thus, we offer these specific resources for early math: the learningtrajectories.org website, measures of early math teaching and learning – REMA and COEMET, and articles written to enhance the practice of early childhood education professionals.

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Partners & Funders

We are proud to partner with a variety of national centers and organizations who are leading the way on improving outcomes for young children, with schools and districts who are working hard every day to support children’s learning and development, and with the faculty, staff, and students at the University of Denver, whose collaborations and contributions are essential to our work. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our national and private funders who challenge us to stretch and strengthen our approaches to reach more children with high-quality early education and care.

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About Us

Housed within the Morgridge College of Education, Marsico Institute for Early Learning is a research and development institute dedicated to improving learning environments and outcomes for children, birth to age eight. The Marsico Institute works to identify the best in early learning research and practice and deliver that information locally and abroad through partnerships with urban and rural school districts, academic institutions, practitioners, and families, as these are the people who can create and implement vital changes to improve the lives of young children.

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