The working unit Early Education deals with questions concerning educational trajectories and educational transitions. The focus is on issues related to early childhood and preschool education, educational trajectories in elementary school, and the relevant transitions. Thus, the transitions to kindergarten and elementary school, which are important for children and their families, are also covered. Since the environment also plays a role in addition to the individual abilities of the children, context persons are also taken into account for questions and are also included in the surveys. In addition to parents as the family learning environment, the surveys are therefore also directed at educators and the management of the respective childcare facilities. These represent the non-familial learning environment of a child.

This working unit is responsible for monitoring the various NEPS studies on the age groups in question. The unit covers the following educational tiers, all examined as part of NEPS.

Additionally, the working unit also carries out other projects with third party funding.