Early childhood care and education policies that make a difference

In split systems, where childcare has historically been separated from preschool, childcare has only recently been recognized for its educational potential. Paradoxically, now that its potential for children, parents, and communities is widely recognized, accessibility, affordability and quality are under pressure. Based on—mostly European—research, we analyse structural barriers that explain unequal take-up of childcare. We look, among others, at issues of lack of places, geographical disparities, and costs. We also look at educational process quality, especially for the youngest children. In so doing, we analyze how policies affect these issues and find that policies that consider childcare as an integral part of public early childhood care and education yield better results. In contrast, the commodification (privatisation) of childcare with its shift from supply side to demand-side funding risks to hinder accessibility and to lower quality