The United States is at a pivotal crossroads in determining the educational experiences of children ages 3 through 8. To help educators set goals and design effective policies, early childhood experts Clifford and Crawford provide a concise history of early education and care in the United States and invite readers to consider early schooling in a global perspective. Distinguished scholars from five countries that value early education as an integral part of life-long education - France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden - examine the evolution of early childhood practices in their countries, providing invaluable insight and guidance as we move toward fully serving children and families in our schools.