This report describes an international study of objectives and issues in early childhood care and education (ECCE). The study was carried out by the Center for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI), an organization created by the Council of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to study educational issues of concern to its 24 member countries. The aim of this study was to identify common problems of the member countries and to exchange ideas on possible solutions. The report includes a brief review of current issues in ECCE: the impact of recent research, supply and demand for services, administrative models and current objectives. A detailed study of ECCE services in seven member countries constitutes the main body of the report. Comparisons of services are organized under six headings: structure, standards, supply and demand, parent participation and education, coordination of ancillary services, and general policies. The final section of the report includes an extrapolation and summary of key issues (care versus education and quality versus quantity, for example) and subsequent options for translating objectives and issues into specific policies. The report concludes that ECCE objectives must be determined within the social and economic context of the individual countries, and that parent and community roles must be integrated in planning ECCE services. (BF)