1. Encouraging Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care 7-8 December 2009, OECD Paris Dr. Martina Peucker

2. Kinder und Jugend Child and Youth Policy in Germany - The Federal Order I Federal Republic of Germany is formed by the Federation itself and 16 Federal States. I Division of responsibilities between the Federation and the Federal States. I Local self-government in cities, municipalities and counties, which have the right to act in full self-determination and govern the affairs of their local communities in the framework of existing legislation. ECEC policies are designed and promoted at the Federal, Federal States and municipal levels.

3. Kinder und Jugend ECEC - a challenge which all societal groups and protagonists need to face I Governmental policy anchored in the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. I Predominant part of the education system and cultural policy falls to the Federal States as an object of the legislation. I Entire responsibility for child and youth welfare remains at a municipal level and non-profit agencies - direct and socially concrete relationship to ECEC services.

4. Kinder und Jugend ECEC Development in Germany today I Federal government in cooperation with the Federal States and local authorities fosters the expansion of day care for children until age three and made 4 billion Euros available: I Children’s Advancement Act 2008: Day care for children until age three should be extended by 2013 in order to meet the actual needs of parents and their children. I By 2013, every third child under the age of three should be provided with day care facilities. I As from 2013, the legal claim to day care facilities for children from the age of one will be introduced. I Thirty percent of the new day care places will be provided at family day care.

5. Kinder und Jugend Current policies on Quality in ECEC in Germany I To create equal chances, quality of ECEC should be ensured by: Comprehensive evaluation of ECEC, based on annual statistics and surveys. Action program “Family Day Care” fosters qualification of family day care staff. Measures in order to reach an consensus on prospective standards for quality in ECEC.

6. Kinder und Jugend Key Policy Challenges with regard to OECD policy priorities ITo improve working conditions and qualification of ECEC staff ITo develop broad guidelines and curricular standards with all stakeholders, in particular with regard to language promotion ITo encourage family involvement

7. Kinder und Jugend Expected benefits from the ECEC-Project IExchange of views on indicators for quality in the international landscape ICross-sectoral analysis on ECEC IPromoting dialogue and building consensus among all relevant stakeholders

8. Kinder und Jugend Thank you for your attention!