The programme aims to advance the international understanding of the importance of investing in the early years and the knowledge on how to develop effective, efficient and evidence-based ECEC policies. Key topics covered are: child development and early learning, transitions to primary school, curriculum and pedagogy, workforce development, parental engagement, quality monitoring and assessment, governance and financing, and equity and inclusion. The programme includes:

• Thematic policy reviews (Starting Strong series).
• Country-specific ECEC policy reviews and country notes.
• An international survey on the characteristics, practices and beliefs of the ECEC workforce (TALIS Starting Strong).
• A study measuring children’s well-being and early learning outcomes (International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study, IELS).

For the development and implementation of its ECEC programme, the OECD works closely with the OECD ECEC Network since 2007. The Network consists of representatives from OECD member and non-member countries and economies and of observers from relevant international organisations. It meets once or twice a year. Meetings of the ECEC Network provide opportunities to review the work of the OECD Secretariat; share information on policies, practices and research; and identify areas where further research and new data developments are required. The TALIS Starting Strong Survey is developed within the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) programme.