Journal of Early Childhood Education Perspectives (JECEP)
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Early Childhood Education Perspectives

Integration of Neuroscience into Early Childhood Educational Psychology: A Critical Literature Review of Cognition, Emotion, and Pedagogical Implications

Hani Hasnah Safitri (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)
Ulul Albab (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)
Siti Mumun Muniroh (Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan)
Mohammad Adam (Universiti Islam Antarbangsa Sultan Islmail Petra University)
Faiz Akhmad Khan (Rajshree Institute of Management and Technology Bareilly Uttar Pradesh)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Feb 2026

Abstract

The integration of neuroscience into early childhood educational psychology has gained increasing scholarly attention in response to the need for a holistic and evidence-based understanding of young children’s learning and development. This article aims to critically analyze the contribution of neuroscience in enriching the theoretical framework of early childhood educational psychology, particularly in understanding the interrelationship between cognition, emotion, and pedagogical implications in early learning contexts. Employing a critical literature review approach, this study examines articles from reputable international and accredited national journals related to educational neuroscience, early childhood education, and educational psychology. The analysis is conducted through a reflective thematic synthesis that places neuroscientific findings in dialogical engagement with contemporary educational theory. The findings indicate that neuroscience functions as an epistemic lens that deepens understanding of early childhood learning processes, rather than as a direct methodological prescription for classroom practice. This article emphasizes the importance of critical awareness of neuromyths and highlights neuroscience as a foundation for early childhood educators’ professional reflection in designing developmentally appropriate, ethical, and meaningful learning experiences. Theoretically, this study contributes to an integrative framework for early childhood educational psychology, while practically offering reflective direction for educators and researchers in engaging with neuroscience critically and responsibly.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jecep

Publisher

Subject

Arts Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Neuroscience Social Sciences Other

Description

JECEP welcomes submissions that address early childhood education (birth–8 years) through educational, psychological, and interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in teaching, learning, and policy contexts, including but not limited to the following areas: Child Development and Early Childhood ...