January 29, 2025 – The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a report that provides a policy roadmap to strengthen early childhood education and care at country levels, including targeted support for disadvantaged children and cross-sectoral approaches. Across the OECD, public investment in early years education and care is low compared to other levels of education, and budget constraints are tight. Staff shortages and lack of quality training are often an issue. This roadmap is a response to this situation and makes the case that early education and care is a cost-effective way to close achievement gaps before they widen. Targeted, evidence-based early years policies can reduce the need for expensive remedial education and social services in the future.
The full report, a summary version, and support materials including key messages and country notes are available.