This publication outlines the Government of New Zealand's new plans and policies for the administration of early childhood care and education. Specific features are discussed in detail in sections concerning: (1) early childhood care and education at the local level, specifically management structures and responsibilities, the use of Crown land,…

This paper reflects upon the policy development and implementation of integrated or coordinated services of early childhood education and care (ECEC) within a systemic perspective, focusing on issues of relevance to both developed and developing countries. The paper is divided into four parts: (1) issues related to ECEC's cultural and historical…

Analyzes public interest in early childhood care and education (ECCE) policy. Chronicles federal policy in this area from the mid-1960s to the present, with particular attention to changes in the amount of funding and its allocation. Argues that ECCE policy is inadequately funded, fragmented, and internally inconsistent, and provides alternative…

Discusses commonly asked questions about welfare, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), welfare reform, and its possible effects on child care. Asserts that welfare reform must maintain consistent standards; lower the state-match requirement for AFDC child care; set minimum public payment levels; inform parents of their rights; increase…

This essay examines the provision of early childhood education and care (educare) for black preschool children in South Africa. After a brief introduction, the essay outlines the demographics of and government role in preschool education. The social and environmental context of black preschool children in South Africa, along with the educational…

This book provides the international reader with an overview of education for children and young persons in Sweden and indicates trends likely to develop over the next 5 or 10 years. Its main concern is with municipal schooling, which today includes preschool education, the compulsory comprehensive schools for all children between the ages of 7…

Although early care and education have gained some momentum in recent years, shortfalls in quality are still pervasive. This book defines the elements of a high-quality system and suggests strategies for improvement. Frontmatter includes a preface, editors' and contributors' biographies, and an introduction entitled "The Changing Context of…

In this paper (Part II of a presentation titled "Early Childhood Education in Urban America") four broad questions are discussed: (1) What are the goals of early childhood education? Continuing dilemmas in compensatory early education are articulated, and the questions of how should resources be allocated and who should benefit are raised. (2) Who…

Recognizing that cross-national information and analysis can contribute to the improvement of policy development related to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC), the Education Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) launched the Thematic Review of Early Childhood Education and Care Policy in 1998.…