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Based on the view that the rapid expansion and development of preschool education requires careful scrutiny of both educational policy and practices, this book presents information on current early childhood education and care policy in Portugal. Section 1 of the book provides a historical framework for the development of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Portugal, definitions of relevant terms, the types of current ECEC provisions, and the context influencing ECEC policies and practices. Section 2 defines policies related to educational quality and program accessibility. Section 3 presents policy approaches with regard to regulations, staff, program content and implementation, participation and support to families, and funding. Included in this section are descriptions of programs in the Autonomous Regions of Madeira and Acores. Section 4 presents information on program evaluation and research in Portugal. Section 5 asserts that the government of Portugal has made a clear investment policy in education as a whole, with particular emphasis in preschool education. The section presents objectives related to preschool attendance and program quality, and identifies challenges for program development. The book concludes with a glossary and a list of abbreviations. Appendices include graphic displays of statistical indicators for Portugal and European Union countries, and the paper "Early Childhood Education and Care Policy In Portugal: OECD Country Note," which identifies the progress made in Portugal and the difficulties still hindering achievement of objectives regarding care and education of children from birth to compulsory school age. (Contains 30 references.) (KB)