About Early Discovery Network
Early Discovery Network helps early childhood educators build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills they need to create engaging learning experiences for young children.
We specialize in early mathematics, science, engineering, and school readiness, translating research and best practices into approaches educators can use every day. Through professional development workshops, classroom coaching, consultation, and free online learning resources, we support educators and programs in strengthening both teacher knowledge and practice, both in the classroom and in natural spaces.
Early Discovery Network is home to Early Math Counts, Early Science Matters, Engineering Explorers, and Ready Child, a collection of research-informed resources designed specifically for early childhood educators and families.
Our goal is simple: to make high-quality, practical early childhood professional learning accessible and useful, and to help educators turn what they learn into meaningful experiences for young children.
About the Founders
Early Discovery Network was founded by Kathleen Sheridan, PhD, and David Banzer, PhD, early childhood researchers and educators who share a commitment to helping teachers provide rich, engaging learning experiences for young children.
Kathleen Sheridan, PhD
Kathleen Sheridan is an early childhood researcher, teacher educator, and longtime leader in early childhood professional development. Her work focuses on early STEM learning, teacher professional development, and creating accessible, research-based resources that educators can put into practice. She is the lead developer of Early Math Counts, Early Science Matters, and Ready Child and has spent much of her career working to make high-quality professional learning available to early childhood educators regardless of time, geography, or resources.
David Banzer, PhD
David Banzer brings the perspective of both a researcher and a practitioner to Early Discovery Network. David is a former preschool teacher and early childhood administrator. He has extensive experience working directly with teachers, children, and families in community-based early childhood programs. His research focuses on early math, science, and engineering teaching and learning, and on how professional development can strengthen educators' knowledge and classroom practice. He is the Lead Developer of Engineering Explorers and has developed and led professional learning for early childhood educators and contributed to the development and study of online professional learning in early STEM.
Why We Created Early Discovery Network
Together, we created Early Discovery Network to bridge the gap between research and everyday classroom practice. We believe early childhood educators deserve professional learning that respects their expertise, builds their knowledge, and gives them practical ideas and resources they can use with children right away.
Our goal is not simply to provide professional development. It is to help educators feel knowledgeable, confident, and supported as they create opportunities for young children to explore, question, discover, and learn.