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Written by John Bennet for UNICEF at the Innocenti Research Centre entitled Early Childhood Services in the OECD Countries: Review of the Literature and Current Policy in the Early Childhood Field. (2008), this report includes definitions of basic terminology surrounding the early childhood services sector and an overview of the investments made (and services offered) by the rich countries of the world - the member States of the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

It also discusses the international rights of children as set out in The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989); General Comment No. 7, Committee on the Rights of the Child (2006); and ‘Child Poverty in Rich Countries’ (UNICEF 2005).

Next the report discusses the social context of children’s services, including the changing socio-economic role of women; the changing demography and population diversity of rich countries; and the current emphasis in education on international competition and, within countries, on social equity and early education.

The report continues with an explanation the rationale for state investment in early childhood services, and concludes with proposals for future initiatives.

To read the full report, please click here.