About the OECD Thematic Review of ECEC and the United States' participation:

Invited by the participating countries, OECD expert teams evaluate each country's policy, programs and provision for children from birth to compulsory school age. Prior to the review, participating countries publish a background report describing current policy and practice, and outline the challenges that ECEC policy faces in the coming years. After the expert review, the OECD publishes a country note that discusses the issues observed, and suggests solutions and recommendations for the consideration of the competent authorities.

The United States was the sixth country to host an OECD review team as part of the first round of reviews. Prior to the visit, a background report on ECEC policy in the United States was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement. After analysis of the background report, a review team composed of an OECD Secretariat member and three experts with diverse analytic and policy backgrounds visited the United States from September 26th to October 8th, 1999. The United States country note was published in July 2000.