High-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) lays the foundation for lifelong learning and helps reduce the risk of children being disengaged from school – even before they take root. Research shows that children who experience strong, inclusive early learning environments are more likely to succeed in school, remain engaged, and reach their full potential—benefits that are especially important for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Science tells us that high-quality ECEC goes beyond simply providing care; it involves structured, evidence-based practices that support children’s foundational skills (such as literacy and numeracy) in the same way that it tackles well-being. The SCIREARLY framework identifies six indicators of quality, including warm and trusting relationships between teachers and children, interactive and dialogic learning activities, egalitarian relationships with families, and ongoing professional development for practitioners.