ERIC Number: EJ774807
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Dec
Pages: 11
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-1538
EISSN: N/A
Early Childhood, Major Challenges: Review of Early Childhood Education and Care Policies in OECD Countries
Bennett, John; Neuman, Michelle J.
Prospects: Quarterly Review of Comparative Education, v34 n4 p423-433 Dec 2004
This article presents the most recent results of a comparative review of early childhood education and care carried out by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Founded in 1961 and based in Paris, OECD is one of the world's most important sources of statistical, economic, and social data. Based on reviews in the eighteen participating countries, OECD has identified eight strategic focuses that contribute to promoting equitable access to high-quality services for young children. They comprise the following elements: (1) A systematic approach to the formulation and implementation of policies; (2) A strong, equal-to-equal partnership, with the education system; (3) An universal approach to access, with particular attention paid to children with special needs; (4) Substantial public investment in services and infrastructure; (5) A participative approach to improvement of quality and quality assurance; (6) Appropriate training and work conditions for the personnel responsible for the range of services proposed; (7) Special stress placed on assessment, monitoring and collection of data; and (8) A reference framework and a long-term research and assessment programme. Results also reveal that the twenty countries reviewed offer innovative examples of policy and practice that may inform debate in other countries.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Special Needs Students, Young Children, Quality Control, Investment, Early Childhood Education, Educational Policy, Child Care, Comparative Analysis, International Organizations, Educational Planning, Financial Support, Program Effectiveness, Work Environment, Child Caregivers, Caregiver Training, Teacher Education, Educational Assessment, Data, Educational Principles, Preschool Teachers, Government Role, Participative Decision Making, Professional Development, Educational Improvement, Program Improvement, Recruitment, Labor Turnover, Comparative Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education; Early Childhood Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Equal Access
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A