A growing evidence base highlights the value of high-quality early childhood education (ECE) to children's cognitive and social development. However, far less is known about how families and children, especially in developing countries, participate in ECE or how these participation patterns reflect families' thinking and decision-making. This…

This mixed methods study draws upon Young Lives India longitudinal data to analyse whether children who attended private preschools demonstrate higher cognitive skills and enhanced subjective wellbeing at the age of 12 compared to those who attended government preschools in India. Using linear logistic regression models, the analysis reveals that…

This paper explores the impact of gender on the employment of men in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres through the voices of male and female early childhood teachers (ECTs) working in China. Gender imbalance in the ECEC workforce is a global phenomenon, and there has been little research about it in countries such as China. This…

A Chinese and a Swedish preschool teacher education programme were examined in search for commonalities and differences of the curriculum decision-making considerations involved in the respective programme revision process. Findings include: (1) the two programmes have shifted orientations and become similar, yet there was no fundamental…

As part of the ongoing planning and debate around the next set of global development goals to replace the expiring Millennium Development Goals, in July 2012 the UN Secretary General commissioned "a high level panel of eminent persons" from 27 countries to make recommendations on the development agenda beyond 2015. After conducting…

In this article, we quantitatively assess education policy change in OECD countries. While research has frequently underlined the importance of international exchange for national policy development, it is yet unclear whether resulting policies are converging. By distinguishing different kinds of education policy goals, we hypothesise that…

The article discusses kindergarten and primary school teachers' preferences for instructional approaches and teaching practices. One hundred and thirty-three teachers from Estonia completed questionnaires. The results showed that the promotion of students' comprehension and independence, enhancing practical application and individualisation of…