Access to early child education services has been proven to be an efficient tool in fighting educational inequalities. However, while wealthier families are likely to use childcare services, disadvantaged children tend to be left out. Research has explained this effect, known as Mathew Effect, and has studied both the constraints in the…

The rapid spread of the coronavirus virus (COVID-19) has been responsible for massive global impacts on the lives of children, families and communities. It is important to document these effects for the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. This report focuses on the Asia-Pacific region and ECEC sector, given limited regional studies…

National policies on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECEC) are usually evaluated by commentators in terms of their own history and context. However, the recent OECD family database offers comparative tables on a range of ECEC policies, and charts their impact on different socio-economic groups within countries. From a comparative point of view…

This study is focused on conceptual paper and the purpose of this study is to conduct an empirical investigation into the Malaysian Preschool institutions, focusing on measuring their technical efficiency and productivity changes. This study is to examine the nature of productivity changes by means of bootstrapped Malmquist TFP indices. The study…

Devolution within the United Kingdom (UK) forms part of increased regionalisation in the European Union (EU). The post-devolution history of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Scotland illustrates problems arising from split responsibilities and nation-state policies that fail to take adequate account of devolved administrations. UK-led…

The UNESCO-UNICEF joint regional policy review project was launched in September 2006 with the aim to support the countries of Asia-Pacific region in meeting the first goal of Education For All (EFA) on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by identifying, documenting and sharing good practices as well as constraints and challenges in early…

Analysis of early childhood human resource development and management policies in South Korea and six other countries precipitated guidelines for establishing national policy for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in South Korea. The guidelines address basic principles, educational purpose, early childhood education and care operation,…

Describes the child care system in Sweden, focusing on policy measures and legislation for children and families. Describes types of day care programs, including centers, open preschools, family day care, school age services, children requiring special support, and children from other cultures. Outlines recently proposed guidelines for preschool…

Examines 1990s school-related activities and rhetoric of Norway's Ombudsman for Children related to: (1) children's rights to education, especially religious and moral education and in the closest environment; (2) rights in education, including a secure procedure for individual complaints; and (3) rights through education to participation and…

Presents overview of Hong Kong preschool education. Considers the history of preschool education, early childhood curriculum, training of early childhood professionals, and monitoring of standard services. Discusses trends in Hong Kong preschool education and problems in early childhood education, including exclusion from the main education…

Discusses the failure of Australian Commonwealth and State governments to institute the Convention on the Rights of the Child provisions for preschool children with disabilities from non-English speaking backgrounds. Identifies specific needs of these children and presents strategies to improve outcomes for them. (JPB)