Building upon the work of the Effective Early Learning (EEL) Project in raising the quality of early learning for young children in the United Kingdom, the 3-year Accounting Early for Life Long Learning Project (AcE Project) focuses on enhancing in 3- to 6-year-olds those attitudes and dispositions that are important to life-long learning. This report presents the rationale for the project, and describes its conceptual framework and methodology. The three key research components of the project are to: (1) define the early characteristics of life long learners, focusing on "Advancement Attributes," attitudes, dispositions, and inclinations; (2) design assessment instruments to measure these characteristics; and (3) develop practice to support them. The conceptual focus is on child outcome domains such as academic achievement, dispositions to learn, respect for self and others, well-being, and on adult outcome domains such as sensitivity, stimulation, and autonomy. A variety of methods will be used in the study, including consultation and literature review, multiple case studies, measurement scale development, and action research. Phase 1 of the project will entail the description and design of key concepts and instruments, and will include in-depth case studies of 20 children from 10 early childhood settings. Phase 2 will involve development and evaluation of concepts and instruments in action research conducted in 30 early childhood settings. Phase 3 will include dissemination and analysis of the materials and knowledge base, and development of a national training and professional development program. (Contains 40 references.) (KB)