The report provides an overview of holistic early childhood education and care services in France between 2017-2021. It contains analyses of government support and broader societal and political trends in French society regarding early childhood development, presenting limitations and drawbacks of current policies. It identifies future policy challenges and relevant research gaps, to increase evidence-based policy.

Holistic early education and care

Policy and practice in France 2017-2021

Lillian Flemons, Emma Louise Blondes, Sarah Grand-Clement, Tor Richardson-Golinski, Victoria Jordan

ResearchPublished Sep 8, 2022

Over the period 2017-2021 the attitude of the French public and policymakers towards early years education and care changed, resulting in early childhood development (ECD), particularly the affective and social components, increasingly being recognised as a priority, with early childhood education and care (ECEC) services enjoying more government support. Consequently, this period witnessed an increase in policies with a focus on expanding and improving the access and quality of childcare and preschool services, especially for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

This report provides an overview of the policy changes that occurred between 2017-2022. In addition, it analyses broader trends within French society and politics, illustrating a shifting attitude towards a more holistic understanding and practice around ECD. Finally, the report identifies key challenges that remain for policymakers in the future and determines relevant research gaps that could support the implementation of more evidence-based policies.

The aim of this study is to point out areas for improvement, when it comes to ECD and ECEC services, to support funders, decision makers and other actors in bringing about meaningful change in the future. This research was funded by Porticus France.

Key Findings

  • A range of formal childcare options are available in France, but provision and use are far from universal.
  • Despite government measures, disadvantaged families still face a number of barriers to formal childcare.
  • Three key government initiatives have been introduced in recent years, but funding remains limited.
  • There is growing emphasis on holistic early childhood development in the first three years, but preschool priorities remain on a different trajectory.
  • Fragmented governance creates significant challenges for transforming the system.
  • A positive shift appears to be underway in relation to research and evaluation, but important gaps and barriers remain.

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Flemons, Lillian, Emma Louise Blondes, Sarah Grand-Clement, Tor Richardson-Golinski, and Victoria Jordan, Holistic early education and care: Policy and practice in France 2017-2021. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2022. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA2051-1.html.
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The research described in this report was funded by Porticus France and conducted by RAND Europe.

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

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