The United States is at a pivotal crossroads in determining the educational experiences of children ages 3 through 8. To help educators set goals and design effective policies, early childhood experts Clifford and Crawford provide a concise history of early education and care in the United States and invite readers to consider early schooling in a global perspective. Distinguished scholars from five countries that value early education as an integral part of life-long education - France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden - examine the evolution of early childhood practices in their countries, providing invaluable insight and guidance as we move toward fully serving children and families in our schools.

The United States is at a pivotal crossroads in determining the educational experiences of children ages 3 through 8. To help educators set goals and design effective policies, early childhood experts Clifford and Crawford provide a concise history of early education and care in the United States and invite readers to consider early schooling in a global perspective. Distinguished scholars from five countries that value early education as an integral part of life-long education - France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden - examine the evolution of early childhood practices in their countries, providing invaluable insight and guidance as we move toward fully serving children and families in our schools.