ABSTRACT
Early childhood education (ECE) is complex in both its theoretical underpinnings and their interpretation into practice. ECE spans diverse disciplinary perspectives that include, but are not limited to, psychology, health/medicine, management, sociology, policy, and anthropology. As the field of early childhood education developed and evolved, it ultimately was recognized as a necessary component of children’s lives. Therefore, it seems fitting at this time to provide a definition of early childhood education as it exists today. While it is certainly the case that ECE is complex enough to warrant different tools and viewpoints, it is clear that the study of young children’s education and care experiences has no integrated theory or science that serves as a universally agreed upon conceptual and/or theoretical framework. Early education has taken on an increasing role in addressing children’s educational, developmental, and environmental needs.
