This paper reflects on the current state of research in early childhood education and proposes that there is a renewed interest in research evident at present. Multiple perspectives of viewing early childhood are increasing, with research stretching the comfortable boundaries wider than seen before in Australia. This paper discusses how early childhood research is changing the way we consider childhood, and how its methods are now beginning to really embrace the child. Also discussed are some of the thought-provoking initiatives recently taken in such research and how the early childhood sector can benefit from its richness.