On 15-16 December, EASPD joined national representatives and child rights organisations at the two-day European Commission ECEC Working Group meeting in Brussels. 

This meeting marks the end of the Working Group, which was established in 2021 to focus on issues around early childhood intervention and care (ECEC). Participants reviewed achievements from the 2023-2025 cycle, presented national reforms and OECD report, contributed to the EU Skills Agenda, and discussed priorities for the 2026-2028 cycle.

To continue its activities, the Working Group will need to be renewed.

Reviewing the 2023–2025 Cycle: Leadership in ECEC

The past two years have centred on strengthening leadership in ECEC. The working group has developed substantial resources to support Member States in this area:

• Leadership in ECEC: An overview of models and practices in Europe (2024) – Full report | Summary
• Leadership in ECEC: Competences and training (2025) – Full report | Summary
• Reflection tool to organise leadership in ECEC (2025)

These resources provide insights into effective leadership models, core competences, and practical tools to help ECEC leaders thrive.

In addition, national authorities organised on-site peer learning activities:

• Germany (2024): Strengthening ECEC leadership for quality development and staff retention
• Luxembourg (2024): How ECEC leaders can recruit and manage diverse teams and work with diverse families
• Iceland (2025): States and municipalities' roles in preschool leadership
• Slovenia (2025):Digitalisation in ECEC
  • The report is not available yet but will be published soon on the working group website

Click here to access all resources developed in the 2023–2025 cycle, and other cycles.

Results from TALIS Starting Strong 2024 | OECD

This report presents the results of the TALIS Starting Strong 2024 survey which examines the ECEC workforce across 17 countries. It looks at the activities and supports available for children and their families through ECEC, as well as the aspects of working in ECEC that staff appreciate, their opportunities for career progression and sources of work-related stress. The governance, oversight and structure of job opportunities in the sector are also considered. Go through the report.

Contributing to the EU Skills Agenda

Participants contributed to reflection to build the EU Teachers and Trainers' Agenda, a key initiative under the Union of Skills initiative, aiming to tackle teacher and staff shortages in education, including ECEC, and to modernise education. Discussions centred on improving working conditions, professional development, career prospects, training access, and the profession's status.

An open consultation will be launched as part of the 2026 Education Package, offering stakeholders the chance to shape teacher training and education quality across Europe. EASPD will keep you informed about how to contribute.