Verity Campbell-Barr is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her research interests include the mixed economy of childcare and early years education provision, experiences of working in early childhood occupations, the role of childcare in supporting employment and the welfare to work agenda, and understandings of quality childcare and early years education from multiple perspectives.Janet Georgeson is a Research Fellow in Early Education Development at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her role involves developing and conducting independent research projects and collaborating with colleagues in the development of research within the School of Education, and she has a particular interest in research methods. She is currently researching the professionalisation of the early years workforce, and early cognitive development, including the role of parents, practitioners and other care-givers.

I think this is a very unique book which certainly fills a gap in the market. - Abigail Gosling, University of BedfordshireI thought it was a super book! I particularly like the way the book challenges western 'norms' in terms of early childhood. - Erica Evans, University of BrightonThe text is very accessible and provides a good breadth of provision. - Helen Childerhouse, Bishop Grossteste University

• 1. Introduction: the early childhood education and care workforce in a global context 2. Australia 3. Hungary 4. Italy 5. Japan 6. Russia 7. Germany 8. The Philippines 9. Sweden 10. The UK 11. Conclusion: Mapping Philosophies and Traditions in Workforce Development Around the World

Verity Campbell-Barr is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her research interests include the mixed economy of childcare and early years education provision, experiences of working in early childhood occupations, the role of childcare in supporting employment and the welfare to work agenda, and understandings of quality childcare and early years education from multiple perspectives.Janet Georgeson is a Research Fellow in Early Education Development at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her role involves developing and conducting independent research projects and collaborating with colleagues in the development of research within the School of Education, and she has a particular interest in research methods. She is currently researching the professionalisation of the early years workforce, and early cognitive development, including the role of parents, practitioners and other care-givers.

I think this is a very unique book which certainly fills a gap in the market. - Abigail Gosling, University of BedfordshireI thought it was a super book! I particularly like the way the book challenges western 'norms' in terms of early childhood. - Erica Evans, University of BrightonThe text is very accessible and provides a good breadth of provision. - Helen Childerhouse, Bishop Grossteste University

• 1. Introduction: the early childhood education and care workforce in a global context 2. Australia 3. Hungary 4. Italy 5. Japan 6. Russia 7. Germany 8. The Philippines 9. Sweden 10. The UK 11. Conclusion: Mapping Philosophies and Traditions in Workforce Development Around the World

Verity Campbell-Barr is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her research interests include the mixed economy of childcare and early years education provision, experiences of working in early childhood occupations, the role of childcare in supporting employment and the welfare to work agenda, and understandings of quality childcare and early years education from multiple perspectives.Janet Georgeson is a Research Fellow in Early Education Development at the Plymouth Institute of Education, Plymouth University. Her role involves developing and conducting independent research projects and collaborating with colleagues in the development of research within the School of Education, and she has a particular interest in research methods. She is currently researching the professionalisation of the early years workforce, and early cognitive development, including the role of parents, practitioners and other care-givers.

I think this is a very unique book which certainly fills a gap in the market. - Abigail Gosling, University of BedfordshireI thought it was a super book! I particularly like the way the book challenges western 'norms' in terms of early childhood. - Erica Evans, University of BrightonThe text is very accessible and provides a good breadth of provision. - Helen Childerhouse, Bishop Grossteste University

• 1. Introduction: the early childhood education and care workforce in a global context 2. Australia 3. Hungary 4. Italy 5. Japan 6. Russia 7. Germany 8. The Philippines 9. Sweden 10. The UK 11. Conclusion: Mapping Philosophies and Traditions in Workforce Development Around the World