3. Why ECEC is important
access to affordable, quality ECEC permits
mothers to take an equal place in the workforce
affordable, quality ECEC is an important public
investment for future economic growth
ECEC provides the solid foundation for more
effective future learning
Access to high quality ECEC matters for good
social outcomes
14th October 2008 3
4. Policies outside the education sector
Address tax and benefit policies that discourage
parents (especially mothers) from working
Get the amount of parental leave right
not too long
shared by both parents
Encourage employers and employees to consider
family-friendly workplace options
14th October 2008 4
5. Policies overlapping the education sector
Ensure that good childcare is affordable and
matches the needs of working parents.
Provide appropriate financial support to parents,
particularly for low-income households. But tie
public funding to agreed quality standards.
Integrate childcare provisions and pre-school
education (and also other services to support
child well-being).
14th October 2008 5
6. Policies inside the education sector
Place well-being, early development and learning
at the core of ECEC work
Within system-wide goals and guidelines, provide
autonomy, funding and support to ECEC
Develop broad guidelines and curricular standards
with the stakeholders for all ECEC services
Base public funding on achieving quality
pedagogical goals rather than simply adding places
……
14th October 2008 6
7. Policies inside the education sector (continued)
Improve the working conditions and professional
education of ECEC staff.
Create the governance structures necessary for
system accountability and quality assurance
Encourage family and community involvement in
early childhood services
14th October 2008 7
8. 14th October 2008 8
Challenges ahead
Getting better policies adopted and implemented
Ensuring children most in need get ECEC
Identifying what matters most for quality
Balancing quality and cost
Balancing cognitive and non-cognitive development
Finding the best institutional settings
Addressing capacity constraints
9. 14th October 2008 9
References
Starting Strong II: Early Childhood Education and
Care
OECD 2006
www.oecd.org/edu/earlychildhood
Babies and Bosses – Reconciling Work and
Family Life: a Synthesis of Findings for OECD
Countries
OECD 2007
www.oecd.org/els/social/familyfriendly
.
OECD Economic Surveys
www.oecd.org/eco/surveys
