Early Childhood Education (ECE) generally refers to education before the start of primary school attendance (0-6 years in Ireland). Services include pre-schools, Naonra, specific intervention centres such as community support preschools, Barnardo's childcare services, Focus Ireland support services, crches, child-minding and after-school groups.<br><br>The early years are well recognised by legislators, policymakers, educationalists and researchers as a critical period in children's learning and development.<br><br>The ECE professional needs to understand many facets of the child's learning and development and the role of early education and care in promoting the best outcomes for children.