Throughout the Smithsonian, we create opportunities for children of all ages and abilities to learn. Early-learning educators work to create intentional programming aimed toward young children, as well as to design permanently open, child‑friendly museum spaces—allowing museums to exist as centers of learning for a new generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. By creating interdisciplinary and holistic educational experiences, the Early Learning Collaborative gives our youngest visitors creative and playful ways to interact with our museums.

Join Anne Matlock, youth and family programs manager at the National Postal Museum; Beth Evans, youth and family programs coordinator at the National Portrait Gallery; and Emily Porter, manager of early childhood and family learning experiences at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, for a panel discussion about early education initiatives across the Smithsonian. The conversation will be moderated by Ann Caspari, early childhood education specialist at the National Air and Space Museum.