High-quality early childhood education (ECE) does more than boost kindergarten readiness—it sets the foundation for academic success, workforce participation, and economic mobility.
This brief explores how leading global systems—and a few standout U.S. states—are reimagining ECE to expand access to more young learners and ensure alignment with the K–12 system. And as they anticipate the future, including families and communities in decision making, delivering services more efficiently, and building digital skills from an early age—shaping education systems that give every child a strong start in school and in life.
These bold efforts show how early childhood education is both an investment in the present and a promise for the future.
In This Brief
Global models are reimagining early childhood education to better prepare young people for the future based on the following priorities.
Current priorities:
- Expanding access to guaranteed early education
- Building a culture of continuous improvement
- Aligning early learning with system goals
- Supporting high-capacity early childhood professionals
Emerging priorities:
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Incorporating digital skills
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Including families and communities in decision making
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Integrating child care and ECE
