Bridging the quality gap: A comparative analysis of early childhood care and education policy, pedagogical frameworks and child developmental outcomes

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) has emerged as a critical issue in the educational policy agenda of OECD and developing countries, with decades of longitudinal research testifying to the significant and lasting impact of high-quality provision in the cognitive, social-emotional, and health development of children. This study provides a comparative policy analysis and critical synthesis of the empirical research literature that has examined the differential effects of unique national models of ECCE provision with implications for the outcomes of young children. Through the application of systematic review methodologies and the utilisation of the results of large-scale longitudinal research, cross-national comparative studies, and contemporary policy documents, the analysis identifies five dimensions of quality that play a critical role in the outcomes of children: structural quality, process quality, curriculum philosophy, workforce professionalisation, and equity of access.