Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being adopted in education and holds the potential to transform pedagogical practices. Early childhood, as a critical stage where the foundations of children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development are established, is of particular importance for understanding the role of AI. The aim of this study is to systematically review the body of research conducted on AI in early childhood education. A total of 37 articles were analyzed and evaluated in terms of publication years, countries, research purposes, methods, AI tools employed, and recommendations. The findings reveal a notable rise in academic interest in AI in early childhood education, especially after 2023. Most of the studies were conducted using qualitative methods, with a predominant focus on teachers and children. Among the AI tools, ChatGPT emerged as the most frequently employed, followed by robotic tools. The recommendations emphasized in the reviewed studies primarily focused on the need for more experimental research, curriculum and content development, and support for teachers’ professional development. These findings suggest that AI in early childhood education requires a holistic approach that considers not only pedagogical outcomes but also educational policies and teacher training dimensions.