International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The *International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy* (abbreviated as *INT J CHILD CARE EDU*; ISSN 1976-5681) is a leading, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research on early childhood care and education policy. Published by Springer, the journal serves as a critical platform for the dissemination of high-quality scholarship that examines the formulation, implementation, and impact of policies affecting children from birth to age eight, as well as their families and the professionals who serve them. Its scope encompasses a wide array of topics, including child development, early childhood education and care (ECEC) systems, parental leave policies, equity and access, workforce development, program evaluation, and the economic and social implications of child-focused policy. The journal publishes original research articles, comprehensive review articles, and policy briefs that offer evidence-based insights for diverse stakeholders. Its primary target audience includes academic researchers, policymakers at local, national, and international levels, program administrators, and graduate students in fields such as education, public policy, developmental psychology, and social work. Notably, the journal is fully open access, ensuring that its content is freely and permanently available to a global readership, thereby maximizing the reach and impact of its findings. With a 2026 Impact Factor of 4.1000 and placement in the Q1 quartile of its category, the *International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy* is recognized as a top-tier outlet, reflecting its strong influence and reputation within the field of educational policy and child development research.