Globalization and its discontents: Early childhood education in a new world order

This chapter discusses features of globalization and reviews international case and comparative studies of early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy. The chapter has four purposes: (1) to provide an international context for discussing ECEC policy reforms related to globalization, including international efforts to forge a shared vision of children's rights: (2) to review cross-national studies of ECEC policy; (3) to use case study examples as a way to highlight how historical precedent and contextual factors influence responses to globalization; and (4) to suggest a values-based, contextual framework for international ECEC policy research. Recent ECEC policy concerns and initiatives are evident in the areas of governance and regulation, funding, access, curriculum, staff recruitment and retention, and parent involvement.