The Journal of Early Childhood Research provides an international forum for the dissemination of early childhood research which transcends disciplinary boundaries and applies theory and research within academic and professional communities. The journal reflects international growth in research on young children’s learning and development and the impact of this on provision. The journal enjoys a wide readership which includes policy-makers, practitioners and researchers in the intersecting fields of early childhood education and care, with early childhood defined as the years from birth to eight.