Introduction:

The series of policy analyses carried out by the OECD Education Directorate from 1998-2006 show that the organisation of early childhood systems is extremely varied across the rich countries. Yet, distinctive patterns of governance emerge from this diversity. The following text will briefly describe two traditional approaches to system governance, namely, through integrated (one ministry or agency in charge) or split management. The adoption of one or other approach says much about how early childhood is understood in a country, and the relative value given by governments to policy-making, funding and regulation in this field.