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Multiple global trends are putting pressure on governments to develop policies and programmes that meet the needs of families with children aged 0–3. This cross‐national analysis focuses on policies and programmes of parental leave and childcare in the United States, Sweden and Japan. Cross‐national studies of early childhood education and care are reviewed. National profiles are provided of demographic, economic, political and socio‐cultural characteristics and of parental leave and childcare policies and programmes. Policies and programmes are compared in relation to equity of coverage and support of basic parental childrearing and child‐protection responsibilities. Issues raised highlight the need for unified programmes and policies, and continuing global dialogue regarding the needs of this population.

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