Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education

Lynn E. Cohen, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Long Island University. She received the Newton Award for Excellence in Teaching from Long Island University in 2017. Dr. Cohen is co-editor of Theories of Early Childhood Education: Developmental, Behaviorist, and Critical (Routledge, 2023) and STEM in Early Childhood Education: How Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strengthen Learning (Routledge, 2017). She is a contributor to numerous national and international journals, and has given papers at over 70 conferences, including keynote addresses. Dr. Cohen serves on several advisory boards and is currently a member of the editorial board of Dialogic Pedagogy Journal: An International Online Journal and the International Early Childhood Research Journal.

• PART 1: Introducing Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood 1. Bringing AI into Early Childhood – Challenges, Strengths and Activities 2. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Early Childhood Education: Benefits, Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Higher Education 3. AI and the Early Childhood Administrator PART 2: Integrating AI into Early Childhood Curriculum 4. The Use of AI Robotic Toys (IoToys) to Support Learning and Play 5. Demystifying AI for Young Learners: Curriculum and Strategies for Early Childhood Education 6. Integrating Generative Artificial Intelligent (GenAI) for Leveraging Early Literacy Instruction: A High-Leverage-Teaching-Practice (HLTP) Approach PART 3: Engaging Early Childhood Students in Playful Hands-On Applications with Artificial Intelligence 7. Using Social Robots to Teach AI to Preschool Children 8. Thinking with KIBO. An Early Childhood Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 9. Teaching Fundamentals of AI Using Bee-bot Floor Robots

"Timely and focused book for a wide range of audiences—from pre- and in-service early childhood teachers to teacher educators to researchers—combines solid educational practice based on theoretical foundations with specific examples of practices that work. Cross-discipline authors demonstrate how AI is a tool relevant for young learners when applied ethically, reasonably, and true to best practice principles in early childhood education."Sandra Waite-Stupiansky, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, PennWest University-Edinboro"Exploring the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Early Childhood Education bridges research and practice, offering evidence-based insights into how AI can be introduced to young children in developmentally appropriate ways. With contributions from a diverse group of experts, this book advances the conversation on AI literacy, pedagogy, and innovation in early learning. It is essential reading for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to responsibly shape the role of technology in children’s earliest educational experiences!"Amanda Sullivan, Author, STEM & EdTech Researcher, National Girls Collaborative Project"I’ve seen firsthand how even our youngest students can question, create, and lead with AI. What I appreciate about this book is the attention it gives to helping children engage with AI in ways that build curiosity and agency. It offers educators ways to guide children responsibly while keeping creativity and human connection at the center of learning."Alana Winnick, Author of The Generative Age, AI keynote speaker, podcaster, Ed.Tech Director, Founder of Students for Innovation