The importance of early childhood education and care in providing the foundations for lifelong learning is now widely acknowledged. Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development aims to broaden the international debate about the best provision for young children by representing a wide range of perspectives from different countries, different disciplines and different research methodologies.

As the official journal of TACTYC (Training, Advancement and Co-operation in Teaching Young Children), Early Years publishes up-to-date papers on all issues associated with early years education. It particularly seeks to publish papers on issues related to the training, education and continuing professional development of all early years practitioners including managers, support staff, qualified teachers and higher education academics teaching on early childhood courses and specialisms.