Early childhood education Description Early childhood education is a branch of education theory that relates to the teaching of children from birth up to the age of eight. Traditionally, this is up to the equivalent of third grade. Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school . It aims at the holistic development of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. At no other time in a person’s life does one learn and develop as fast and intensely as in the early years. The care and attention a child receives in the first eight years of life – particularly during the first three years – are critical and influence the child for life. Learning is not confined to children of a certain age or to a formal school environment. In fact, babies learn...