Early Childhood Care and Education, often shortened to ECCE, is the combined support of young children’s learning, development, wellbeing and care during the early years.
What this means in practice
ECCE looks beyond academic teaching. It includes physical, social, emotional, language and cognitive development, safe routines, play, relationships with families and the learning environment.
For educators, ECCE training can provide a broader developmental foundation than a course focused on one teaching method. It can be relevant to preschool, childcare and early-learning contexts, subject to local staffing requirements.
What should you check before deciding?
- Age range covered by the course
- Balance between care, development and pedagogy
- Safeguarding and family partnership content
- Local early-years qualification rules
Important distinction
ECCE professional development and a regulated early-childhood qualification are not always the same thing.
Related LCT pathway
LCT offers a dedicated Early Childhood Care and Education pathway.
Explore ECCE training