Technology in early childhood education refers to the use of interactive digital tools, such as tablets, digital portfolios, and smartboards, to support a child's learning and development. When used intentionally, these tools help children build essential academic, social, and fine motor skills.
As technology advances, so does the classroom. In the past, technology in early childhood education was very different; teachers would interact with the tech, and children would observe. Now, toddlers and preschoolers can interact directly with technology. Interactive media on smart devices gives young children the ability to participate and guide themselves through learning.
Technology isn't only a staple in everyday life, but also in education. It's a beneficial tool that allows you to educate, engage, and interact with young learners. In this article, we'll cover why technology in early childhood education is important and provide effective ways to incorporate it into your childcare program.
The evolution of technology in early childhood education
Over the past 50 years, classroom technology has evolved from passive viewing on televisions to active participation through interactive media. Today, smart technology enables children to play, express themselves, and cultivate skills in a safe, engaging way.
In early childhood education, technology acts as a tool to facilitate learning. In conjunction with interactive media, it plays a large role in guiding the development of young children.
Still, educators and families often raise concerns regarding technology, interactive media, and early childhood education. According to public health organizations and child advocacy groups concerned with child development and health issues, such as obesity, passive, non-interactive technology and screen media shouldn't be used in early childhood programs.
With families playing a significant role in early childhood education, there are additional concerns with the passive use of screen media in the home. An example is keeping the television on and playing in the background. Passive watching can cause irregular sleep patterns, focus and attention problems, and an increase in total screen time. However, the findings on the value of technology in children’s development can be confusing because they're divided.
While many agree that too much screen time—the amount of time spent using a device with a screen—can be detrimental, technology can be incredibly helpful to the educational and developmental success of young children when used right.
Activities Across Developmental Domains
Use this guide to craft strategies for activities that foster child development across developmental domains.
Why is technology important in early childhood education?
Technology is important in early childhood education because it gives educators access to innovative teaching methods, diverse learning materials, and tools that support multiple learning styles. It helps children develop fine motor skills, cultural awareness, and social-emotional capabilities.
In your experience as an educator, you've likely learned that there is rarely just one way to do something. Technology is a clear example of this principle. In the past, teachers had very few resources at their disposal. They didn't have access to much more than textbooks and props. Now, technology offers more for educators and children. It gives you access to more resources, innovative teaching methods, and variety as you create an active learning environment for your children.
Incorporating technology into your children's development and education plan also enables you to create lessons for multiple learning styles.
- Visual learners can use smartboards or tablets to draw pictures and look at other visual aids.
- Reading and writing learners can use the same media to absorb information or write down ideas.
- Auditory learners can benefit from music streaming platforms or audiotapes.
- Tactile or kinesthetic learners can learn by acting out a scene they saw in a video or using interactive media on smart technology devices.
The importance of technology in early childhood education doesn’t end there. According to early learning experts, technology can:
- Support the development of fine motor skills.
- Strengthen coordination and reaction time.
- Improve social and emotional development.
- Promote collaboration and relationships.
- Build cultural awareness.
- Help language development.
- Offer opportunities for information processing.
Again, technology is a tool to facilitate learning. When used appropriately, it can have remarkable effects on early childhood education.
How to incorporate technology in the classroom
To successfully incorporate technology in the classroom, childcare providers should use it as a tool for interactive learning, ensure equitable access, foster family relationships, and co-view content alongside children.
When introducing technology to the classroom, you have many options. You now have access to smart devices that feature apps, digital books, games, and more. With the abundance of technology available in 2026, how can you manage it? How do you decide when, how much, and how often to use it?
According to the Department of Education, there are four guiding principles for using technology:
Here are four guiding principles to consider when using technology with young children:
- Technology—when used appropriately—can be a tool for learning.
- Technology should be used to increase access to learning opportunities for all children.
- Technology may be used to strengthen relationships among families, early educators, and young children.
- Technology is more effective for learning when adults and peers interact or co-view with young children.
1. Technology can be a tool for learning
When educators select age-appropriate, interactive content, technology functions as a powerful learning tool that encourages exploration and problem-solving.
Technology isn’t always used for learning, but it certainly can be. Author Lisa Guernsey provides guidance on how early childhood educators can determine technology use for young children. You can use the "Three Cs"—the content, the context, and the needs of the individual child—to create parameters.
You might ask: How does this help children learn, engage, express, imagine, or explore? What kinds of social interactions happen before, during, and after using the technology? What does this child need right now to enhance their growth and development?
Technology allows young children to engage and explore. When used appropriately, it allows them to participate actively in their education through playing and problem-solving.
2. Technology should increase access to learning opportunities
Digital tools break down traditional classroom walls, providing young learners with access to global information, diverse cultures, and inclusive educational resources.
It's no secret that the learning materials of the past were limited. Depending on when you went through early childhood education and development, you likely had access to textbooks, library books, and possibly a few videos. With technology, the resources for today’s children are virtually limitless.
The learning opportunities go beyond the words in a textbook. They can introduce children to information and cultures beyond their classroom and community. Technology allows you to present diversity to young learners, for example, by exposing them to different types of people, music, and family structures.
3. Technology strengthens relationships with families
Childcare programs use technology like communication apps and digital portfolios to keep families engaged, ensuring educators and families collaborate on the child's developmental progress.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on education demonstrated how important technology is in the classroom. Fortunately, with greater access to computers, smartphones, and tablets, teachers could still teach, connect, and strengthen their relationships with children through video-chat interactions.
Additionally, technology allows families to strengthen their relationship with their children and with your childcare program. Digital portfolios and progress reports allow you to share what lessons the children are learning. It also allows families to be more active participants in their child’s education by tracking their progress. It enables you and families to work collaboratively to strengthen and reinforce what children learn in the classroom.
Brightwheel makes it easy to track student progress with streamlined milestone tracking and customizable portfolio templates. You can create individualized progress reports that measure each child's progress against state standards pre-loaded in the app or your program's learning framework. Easy digital sharing with families means you can continue to foster engagement and support.
A child’s education isn't solely left up to educators and administrators. With the help of technology, all parties can be actively aware of a child’s progress and use interactive media to work toward their success.
4. Technology is more effective through co-viewing
Children learn best from digital content when educators or families actively watch, interact, and discuss the material with them, rather than leaving them to use devices independently.
Many technological devices are designed for singular use. Computers, smartphones, and tablets are typically meant to be used by one person at a time. However, children can learn more from content when adults or early educators watch and interact with children.
Engaging with and encouraging children during and after a lesson can help solidify the information and lead to more effective learning. It's up to you to determine how you use technology in the classroom. As long as you plan active, engaging activities, focus on content, monitor screen time, and work together, you can use technology to create a successful educational and developmental learning environment.
Examples of technology in early childhood education
Effective examples of technology in early childhood education include interactive digital storytelling, virtual video chats with families, educational STEAM apps, and shared reading on tablets.
Depending on their age, young children have different exposure to technology. For infants and toddlers, their experience is almost exclusively guided by their teachers, parents, and families. As they grow to preschool age, they develop more autonomy and independence. This can lead to technology acting as a creative outlet and learning resource.
There are many ways in which technology such as televisions, smartphones, and computers, and interactive media like apps and games, can create a successful classroom environment.
- Use technology to introduce young children to diverse images of people and things.
- Explore digital materials through shared technology time. Through activities like shared book reading, you can create opportunities to engage with young children by talking to them and introducing new vocabulary.
- Incorporate technology activities to teach digital literacy skills.
- Create progress reports using audio or visual files to share digital updates with families.
- Use video-chat software to communicate with children and families outside the classroom.
- Document children’s drawings and create digital books with photos to explore digital storytelling.
- Expose children to concepts like science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) by including STEAM activities in your lesson plans.
Technology creates an abundance of learning opportunities in the classroom. With its vast capabilities and your creativity, you can create countless lessons for your children.
Technology is best when it brings people together
Ultimately, technology in early childhood education acts as a bridge, equipping educators and families with tools that promote safe, active learning and deeper connections.
Technology is many things. It’s a video demonstrating the leaves changing from season to season. It’s an interactive lesson about the difference between the letters “b” and “d”. It’s an opportunity to connect with children and families outside the classroom.
Technology is a bridge that fills in the gaps of the past. Children, teachers, families, and administrators are now equipped with tools that promote safe, active learning in the classroom and beyond. As an educator, you take the lead in shaping the early childhood education and development of young learners. With technology acting as your tool, you can educate, engage, and interact with your children in new, innovative ways.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recommended amount of screen time for preschoolers?
According to child development experts, children ages two to five should be limited to about one hour of high-quality, interactive screen time per day. Educators should focus on co-viewing digital media to ensure the time spent is educational and engaging.
How can childcare programs use technology safely?
Childcare programs can safely use technology by selecting ad-free, age-appropriate applications, prioritizing active engagement over passive watching, and maintaining strict privacy standards when sharing photos or digital portfolios with families.
Does technology replace hands-on play in early childhood?
No, technology doesn't replace traditional play. Instead, it serves as an additive tool that complements physical activities, tactile learning, and outdoor exploration to provide a well-rounded educational experience.
