Early childhood education and care
Early childhood education and care refers to any regulated arrangement that provides education and care for children from birth to compulsory primary school age.
What is the EU doing on early childhood education and care?
European Innovative Teaching Award
The Award recognises outstanding work by teachers and their educators engaged in European cooperation projects.
School fruit, vegetables and milk scheme
The scheme is designed to help children follow a healthy diet.
Working Groups
Learn more about the work of European Education Area Strategic Framework Working Groups on early childhood education and care.
Early childhood education and care - updates
Early childhood education and care resources
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The toolkit includes examples of best practices in ECEC and provides useful ideas for policymakers to improved its inclusivity.
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The guidelines propose a set of core competences for ECEC assistants, core practitioners and leaders to ensure a high level of provision.
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The report provides information on the guidance and support provided to ECEC services, staff and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Discover a range of policy documents, informative reports, studies, infographics and factsheets on EU early childhood education and care policy.
Join the community
School Education Gateway
Stay up-to-date with the online platform for education professionals, researchers and policymakers. Explore the School Education Gateway
eTwinning
A platform for staff working in a school in one of the European countries involved to communicate, collaborate, develop projects and share. Join eTwinning
EU funding opportunities
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Erasmus+ is the EU’s funding programme supporting education, training, youth and sport.
Employment and volunteering
See practical information and opportunities concerning employment, including volunteering and traineeships.