This article describes how the Portuguese National Council for Education initiated a participatory process that gave rise to the development of a "public statement", "The Education for Children from Zero to Six Years". This statement and its 11 recommendations were directed towards the Ministry of Education and called for a shift in support for children from zero to three years (traditionally the responsibility of the Ministry of Solidarity and Social Affairs), from being primarily care-based to being primarily rights-based with an educational focus. This participatory process is described and analysed. It involved broad participation by civil society with representation from a range of stakeholders, including family representatives, professional associations, unions, experts and researchers--all of whom brought their experience, insights and knowledge. This article also describes how, in spite of a change of government, the statement has continued to influence early year educators and policy-makers. Finally, the rationale underlying the statement's 11 recommendations, and the recommendations themselves, are outlined and discussed.