250 | Quality Early Learning
Figure 6.2 The Elements of the ECEC System ECEC SYSTEM
= DIRECT SERVICES (for example, infant and toddler care, nursery, childcare, prekindergarten, kindergarten, early learning programs)
+ INFRASTRUCTURE Pillar I Strong policy foundations
Pillar II Comprehensive services, funding, and governance
Pillar III Knowledgeable and supported teachers and families
Pillar IV Informed, individualized, and continuous pedagogy
Pillar V Data to drive improvement
Context
Services
Workforce
Pedagogy
Child data
Policies
Funding
Leadership
Individualization
Program data
Engagement
Governance
Families
Continuity
Research
Source: Original figure for this publication adapted from Kagan 2019. Note: ECEC = early childhood education and care.
and states, and have found effective ways to engage populations and smoothly link levels of government. Second, ECEC systems are built on physical and fiscal structures that ensure the stability and quality of the services; they have specific early childhood governance structures that seek to encourage transparency and coordination among programs and services, thus fostering their collective efficiency and equity. Third, strong ECEC systems provide for their people. The workforce is well trained and justly compensated, thus reducing turnover; leadership is cultivated and prepared; and families are meaningfully engaged in programs and services. Fourth, ECEC systems provide childcentered, individualized pedagogy that promotes continuity of experiences and learning for young children. Finally, strong ECEC systems plan for the collection and use of data to improve direct pedagogical services for children, the quality of programs, and the overall design of services. ECEC systems also boast research capacity that addresses the challenges inherent in delivering diverse services to young children and their families.
The Education System Unlike ECEC systems, which are still emerging, long-established education systems that plan and deliver educational services to their populations exist
