You may see the phrase “early childhood education and care”, often shortened to ECEC, in government reports, job adverts or school brochures. It describes all the services that look after and teach young children before they start primary school.
The word “and” matters. Young children need both learning and care at the same time. A good programme does not separate the two: changing a nappy, serving lunch or comforting a crying child are all moments for learning.
This guide explains what ECEC means, the main types of settings, who works in them and what good quality looks like.
A Simple Definition
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) means organised services that support the development, learning and wellbeing of children from birth until they start compulsory school. It covers:
- Education: language, early maths, curiosity, creativity and social skills.
- Care: safety, health, nutrition, rest and emotional security.
Age Groups
| Age | Common name | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | Infants and toddlers | Secure relationships, talk, movement, routines |
| 3 to 5 | Preschool or pre-primary | Play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, social skills |
| 5 to 8 | Early primary (in some definitions) | Moving from play into formal learning |
Types of ECEC Settings
- Nurseries and day-care centres: full-day care, often from a young age.
- Preschools and kindergartens: learning programmes for 3 to 5 year olds.
- Pre-primary classes in schools: one or two years before Class 1.
- Home-based childcare: a trained childminder caring for a small group in their home.
- Community and NGO centres: often serving low-income or rural families.
- Home visiting programmes: workers who visit families to support parenting.
To learn about common teaching approaches used in these settings, see our guide to the core programmes of early childhood education.
What Children Learn in ECEC
Many countries publish a framework that sets out what young children should learn. England’s Early Years Foundation Stage, for example, covers seven areas, including communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development. The latest version took effect from 1 September 2025 and is available through the Digital Education Resource Archive.
In everyday terms, children learn to:
- talk, listen and ask questions
- play with others, share and take turns
- count, sort and spot patterns
- enjoy books and recognise letters
- move confidently and use their hands skilfully
- explore nature, music and art
Who Works in ECEC?
- Caregivers and childcare assistants
- Preschool and kindergarten teachers
- Centre leaders and managers
- Special educators and therapists
- Health workers and family support staff
Qualifications range from short certificates to degrees. See the requirements for early childhood education for more detail.
What Good Quality Looks Like
NAEYC’s list of 10 signs of a great preschool class, published by Reading Rockets, is a helpful guide. Signs include children playing actively with materials, teachers working with small groups, daily outdoor play and happy children who want to attend.
Other signs of quality:
- warm, responsive adults
- enough staff for the number of children
- safe, clean and healthy spaces
- healthy meals and rest times
- regular contact with parents
Why ECEC Matters
UNICEF’s report A World Ready to Learn calls for every child to have access to at least one year of quality pre-primary education. Good ECEC helps children start school ready to learn and supports families too.
We explain the full range of benefits in why early childhood education is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ECEC the same as preschool?
Preschool is one part of ECEC. ECEC also includes care for babies and toddlers, home-based care and other services.
Is ECEC compulsory?
In most countries it is optional, though some countries make one year of pre-primary compulsory.
Why are care and education combined?
Because young children learn through everyday care and relationships. Safe, loving care is the base for all learning.
Key Takeaways
- ECEC covers learning and care from birth to school age.
- It happens in nurseries, preschools, schools, homes and community centres.
- Children learn language, social, physical and thinking skills through play.
- Quality depends on warm, trained staff and safe, rich environments.
