International Early Learning Study (IELS)

The International Early Learning Study (IELS) is an innovative new study designed to provide countries with a common research-based language and framework to discuss how to improve the early years for all children. IELS consists of a play-based assessment of 5-year-olds’ knowledge and skills in four key areas: emergent literacy, emergent numeracy, self‑regulation, and social emotional skills. Data from IELS provide the opportunity to better understand the skills and competencies of American children at the beginning of primary school and how they compare to the skill profiles of 5-year-olds in other countries. The United States participated in the IELS 2018 Pilot Study. The second cycle of IELS is currently scheduled to be conducted in 2023.