AI in Early Education: How Technology Can Support Teachers
I'm old enough to remember a world where the internet was not nearly as ubiquitous as it is today. When you wanted to go somewhere new, you had to look at a paper map and read highway signs. And then printing out 5 pages of Mapquest directions was a technological miracle. And when you wanted to watch something for entertainment, your options were what was on cable TV, what was playing at the movie theater, or, if you were really lucky, the coveted trip to Blockbuster (but better be sure you were "kind and rewind"ed that tape or else!)
This list could go on.
But the point stands: the internet fundamentally changed how we operate in society.
It changed education too. Now, teachers can supplement lessons with interactive multimedia resources like videos, simulations, and online games that make abstract concepts more tangible. Communication with families became easier—teachers can send emails, create digital newsletters, and even use apps to keep parents informed in real time. Teachers no longer have to rely solely on physical textbooks or publishers; they can share lesson plans, worksheets, and materials with educators worldwide. Even management tasks evolved, with digital attendance systems, online grade books, and tools that streamlined administrative tasks.
And, of course, teachers took on a new role: helping students develop digital literacy—teaching them how to research responsibly, navigate online safety, and use technology for learning rather than distraction.
With the proliferation of AI, we're at another turning point.
The initial rise of chatbots and AI tutors caused some to worry that AI could reduce the need for teachers. But learning, especially in its earliest years, is relational in nature, and using AI as a complete substitute for human teachers is misguided.
Our stance on AI is simple – it should be thoughtfully used as a tool to support educators, not replace them. And for early childhood educators, who juggle lesson planning, classroom management, and individualized student needs, AI-powered tools can be game-changers.
“The key is thoughtful implementation—using AI as a supportive tool that empowers teachers, rather than a replacement for the human connection that makes early childhood education so impactful.”
Here’s how:
1. Give Personalized Support to Teachers
AI can act as a co-pilot for educators, offering adaptive and personalized learning experiences tailored for them. Just as AI can personalize instruction for students, it can also suggest professional development resources, best practices, or even strategies based on an educator’s needs and challenges.
2. Make Differentiated Instruction Easier
Early childhood classrooms are diverse, with children developing on their own unique trajectories. AI tools can help teachers differentiate instruction by suggesting lesson modifications, activities, and scaffolding techniques to support all learners—including those who need extra help or more advanced challenges.
3. Provide Data-Driven Insights
Teachers collect plenty of data, but analyzing it can be time-consuming, and at times, overwhelming. AI can assist by identifying trends and patterns in student learning, interests, and behavior, helping educators make informed decisions. It can even provide recommendations based on data, making it easier to adjust instruction and interventions.
4. Suggest Lesson Ideas & Curate Resources
Stuck on how to introduce a new concept? Looking to adapt a lesson to align with your weekly theme or something seasonal? AI can suggest engaging lesson ideas, materials, or even create customized activities that align with learning objectives. No more falling down the rabbit hole of endless internet searches and weeding through resources of varying quality—AI can streamline the process and surface high-quality, age-appropriate resources much more quickly.
5. Make Research More Accessible
There’s a wealth of early childhood education research out there, but keeping up with the latest findings can be daunting, and time-consuming. AI can synthesize research and help translate it into actionable strategies for the classroom. It can also support educators in sharing their insights and experiences, making professional learning more collaborative and efficient.
The Bottom Line: AI as a Teaching Partner
Just like the internet didn’t replace teachers but instead expanded their capabilities, AI offers an opportunity to enhance, not replace, educators. The key is thoughtful implementation—using AI as a supportive tool that empowers teachers, rather than a replacement for the human connection that makes early childhood education so impactful.
The future of teaching isn’t AI or humans, it’s AI with humans. And when used wisely, AI can help teachers focus on what matters most: nurturing young minds, fostering curiosity, and creating meaningful learning experiences.
Are you curious to learn more about how we're integrating AI into our solution to support educators? Connect with us today!
