Education / Concept
Early childhood education (ECE)
Definition
The educational component of early childhood education and care, comprising ISCED level 0 programmes with organised and intentional learning activities that support children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
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Open this concept in the glossary →Editorial explanation
ECE distinguishes formally classified educational programmes from the broader mix of education and care services included within ECEC.
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Sources and evidence
- OECD — Education at a Glance 2026 — Chapter B1 · Definitions — Early childhood education (ECE) (direct)