Ethical AI · Early Childhood Education

Ethical AI begins
with the youngest
learners.

illuminED
conscious AI use with young children
About

Sharla L. Snider, PhD

Dr. Sharla Snider is a Professor and Division Head of Early Childhood Education at Texas Woman's University, with over 40 years of experience — in the classroom with the youngest learners, as a library media-specialist, and as a Professor including 30 years at TWU.

As the developer of the illuminED Framework, Dr. Snider is a nationally recognized voice on the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in early childhood settings. She partners with institutions, educators, and policymakers to ensure that technology serves children's rights, development, and human flourishing.

Professor & Division Head, Early Childhood Education — Texas Woman's University
Developer of the illuminED Framework for Ethical AI in ECE
Author & Editor — IGI Global, July 2026 (Araujo, J. J. & Snider, S. L., Eds.)
· Responsible AI Integration in Education
· Harnessing AI's Potential to Support Student Success and Teaching Excellence
International conference presenter and keynote speaker
Consulting & Engagements

How We Work Together

From individual educator training to institutional consulting and keynote presentations, the illuminED approach meets you where you are.

01
illuminED Framework Training

Deep-dive professional development for educators and institutions on implementing the nine-pathway illuminED Framework in early childhood settings.

02
AI Ethics Consulting & Discovery

From discovery calls to targeted consulting, this is the work of navigating the ethical landscape of AI with young children — grounded in developmental science, children's rights, and your institution's specific context.

03
Curriculum & Professional Development

Custom curriculum design and faculty development for institutions integrating ethical AI principles into early childhood education programs.

04
Speaking & Keynote Engagements

Compelling keynote and conference presentations on ethical AI, children's rights in the digital age, and the future of early childhood education.

The Framework

The illuminED Framework

A nine-pathway, rights-based decision-making model for ethical AI integration in early childhood education. Grounded in Vygotsky, Freire, Rights of the Child, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards, illuminED centers one fundamental question:

"Is this AI use guided by ethical principles that protect children's developmental rights and support their human flourishing?"

I
Intentional
L
Learning-Centered
L
Learning Relationships
U
Understanding-Driven
M
Moral Values-Based
I
Inclusive
N
Nurturing Agency
E
Ethical Practice
D
Developmentally Appropriate
Get in Touch

Let's start a conversation.

Whether you're seeking professional development for your team, a keynote for your conference, or curriculum consulting for your institution — reach out and let's explore how we can work together.

InstitutionTexas Woman's University
Emailillumine_ed@icloud.com
WebillumineEd.com
LocationDenton, TX
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