Early Childhood Research Quarterly – Child Care and Youth Programs Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Early Childhood Research Quarterly for High-Impact Publications

Early Childhood Research Quarterly serves as a vital platform for scholars investigating the developmental, educational, and social aspects of young children. Established in 1986 by Elsevier, this peer-reviewed journal has evolved into a cornerstone for research in early childhood education and child care. Its rigorous standards and interdisciplinary approach attract contributions from psychologists, educators, and policymakers worldwide. The journal's commitment to evidence-based insights ensures that published studies shape curricula, interventions, and family support systems globally.

Researchers value Early Childhood Research Quarterly for its ability to bridge theory and practice. Articles often explore topics like language acquisition, cognitive growth, and socio-emotional development in children from birth to age eight. With a focus on high-quality empirical research, the journal prioritizes innovative methodologies, including longitudinal studies and experimental designs. Its international editorial board fosters diverse perspectives, making it an ideal venue for global collaboration.

The journal's impact extends beyond academia into real-world applications. Studies published here inform early intervention programs and educational policies, influencing organizations like UNICEF and national education departments. For early-career researchers, securing publication here boosts career trajectories, often cited in tenure reviews and grant applications. The hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining affordability.

As the field of child care and youth programs grows, Early Childhood Research Quarterly remains at the forefront, adapting to emerging challenges like digital learning and inclusive education. Whether you're studying play-based learning or family dynamics, this journal provides the prestige and reach needed for meaningful dissemination. To explore related opportunities, check out early childhood education jobs or tenure-track positions in child development. For academic planning, visit the academic calendar and rate my professor resources.

Overview & History

Early Childhood Research Quarterly was launched in 1986 under Elsevier's imprint, filling a gap in scholarly publishing for early childhood studies. Initially focused on U.S.-based research, it quickly expanded to include international submissions, reflecting the global nature of child development. Key milestones include the introduction of special issues on topics like early literacy in the 1990s and digital media effects in the 2010s. Today, it publishes quarterly, with each issue featuring 8-10 original articles, reviews, and commentaries.

The journal's evolution mirrors advancements in the field, from behaviorist approaches to contemporary neurodevelopmental frameworks. Elsevier's support has enabled enhancements like online-first publication and multimedia supplements, increasing accessibility for researchers in remote areas.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

Early Childhood Research Quarterly encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines related to children aged 0-8. Core areas include developmental psychology, early education pedagogy, and family studies. It welcomes quantitative and qualitative research on topics such as assessment methods, teacher training, and policy impacts.

This interdisciplinary scope ensures comprehensive coverage, appealing to diverse researchers. For career advancement, consider education faculty jobs.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics highlight the journal's influence, with steady growth in citations over the past decade. Researchers tracking research positions often reference such data.

Indexing and Abstracting

Early Childhood Research Quarterly is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide visibility. Key services include Scopus, Web of Science (SSCI), ERIC, PsycINFO, and PubMed (select articles). This coverage facilitates discoverability for interdisciplinary searches. DOAJ lists it for open access content, while Sherpa/RoMEO confirms self-archiving policies. Access full archives via the official journal homepage.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, Early Childhood Research Quarterly offers traditional subscription access alongside open access options. The standard publication fee is waived for subscription articles, but open access requires an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,440 (as of 2023). Waivers are available for authors from low-income countries via Elsevier's agreements. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing immediate open access for funded research.

• Subscription: Institutional access via Elsevier platforms.
• Open Access: Gold OA with CC-BY license.
• No page charges for non-OA articles.

For funding advice, explore grant writing resources.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Authors must adhere to APA style, with manuscripts limited to 8,000 words. Initial screening checks for originality and fit, followed by double-blind peer review. Guidelines emphasize ethical standards, including IRB approval for human subjects research. Track your submission status online for transparency.

Prepare by reviewing recent issues on the official journal homepage. Related tools include the academic calendar for deadlines.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial board comprises 20+ experts from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Cynthia Justice (University of Texas at Austin) oversees operations, with associate editors specializing in quantitative methods and cultural studies. Notable members include Carol Connor (University of Virginia) for literacy research and David Dickinson (Vanderbilt University) for curriculum impacts. Their expertise ensures balanced, high-caliber reviews.

Board diversity spans North America, Europe, and Asia, promoting inclusive scholarship. Connect with peers via rate my professor.

Why Publish in Early Childhood Research Quarterly?

Publishing here elevates your work's credibility, with articles averaging 50+ citations within five years. The journal's prestige aids in securing grants and promotions, particularly in child care fields. Its focus on practical implications resonates with practitioners, amplifying real-world impact. For emerging scholars, targeted special issues provide entry points.

Compared to peers, it offers faster publication times and broader readership. Enhance your profile with tenure-track education positions.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison underscores Early Childhood Research Quarterly's strong position in metrics and scope. For alternatives, see psychology faculty jobs.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, align your manuscript with current calls, such as equity in early education. Use clear abstracts and robust data analysis. Engage reviewers by addressing gaps in literature. Pre-submission, consult colleagues or use research assistant roles for feedback. Persistence pays off in this competitive venue.