Quality early STEM experiences provide a critical foundation for learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in ways that facilitate later learning. Early childhood educators have a unique opportunity to benefit all students by bringing the STEM disciplines into greater balance with literacy, reducing early inequities in access and opportunity to learn STEM, and developing skills and understandings that students can build on as they progress through school and into civic life and the workforce. This brief draws on research and development supported by the National Science Foundation to highlight important considerations about STEM educational experiences for young children and professional learning for educators who provide those experiences.