Early Childhood Networked Improvement Community

Bringing together EC leaders, educators, and applied researchers to drive change in EC.

Applied Researcher Membership

This page outlines the roles and expectations for Applied Researchers who wish to participate in and be formally recognized as EC NIC members.

🔹 Purpose of Membership

The EC NIC (Early Childhood Networked Improvement Community) brings together EC Leaders, educators, practitioners, university faculty and applied researchers across early childhood (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K) and K–3rd grade systems to drive sustainable improvements in early childhood.

Applied Researcher members contribute critical research expertise, mentorship, and thought leadership to support evaluation, and continuous quality improvement efforts across local, regional, and national networks.

🔹 Who Can Join?

Faculty whose work aligns with EC NIC’s focus areas may become members. This includes expertise in:

  • Early childhood systems, policy, or leadership
  • Child development, education, or mental health
  • Implementation science and improvement methodologies
  • Community-engaged scholarship
  • Equity and systems transformation

🔹 Benefits of Being a Member

  • Recognition as an EC NIC Member (internal materials and selected public documents)
  • Networking with EC leaders, educators, practitioners and other applied researchers.
  • Access to EC NIC network tools and data (when applicable)
  • Mentorship in conducting community-engaged applied research, continuous quality improvement and program evaluation.
  • Opportunities to co-develop tools, publications, and improvement initiatives
  • Invitation to annual EC NIC retreat and/or showcase events.

🔹 Membership Categories & Commitments

*Note: Members may shift roles over time depending on availability and project needs.*

Role/Member CategoryWhat it meansWhat participation looks likeTime Commitment
Core MemberActively participates in EC NIC activities and contributes to ongoing improvement cyclesJoin monthly meetings, co-lead cohorts, support data interpretation, collaborate on outputs (e.g., briefs, tools)1-2 hours/month
Affiliated ExpertOffers consultation and/or targeted expertise on key EC NIC topics or productsAttend select sessions, provide feedback, mentor emerging professionals, review materialsFlexible/as-needed
Advisor/CollaboratorPartners on aligned research or improvement initiatives that intersect with EC NICServe as co-PI or co-author, support grant development, align EC NIC with existing projectsProject-dependent

🔹 Next Steps for Interested Applied Researchers

To be considered for membership:
1. Complete a short EC NIC Applied Researcher Membership Application Form
2. Indicate preferred membership category
3. Provide a short bio and photo for internal introductions and our EC NIC showcase
4. Optional: Share any focus areas or current initiatives you’d like to connect with EC NIC work

Questions? Contact Dr. Tracy Larson and Dr. Karl Jancart at earlychildhoodnic@gmail.com for more information or to discuss how your work might align with the EC NIC efforts.