How are phenomena and subjects of early childhood education conceptualized in their theoretical, definitional, and institutional approaches? Often only implicitly recognizable theoretical frameworks are compiled and reflected upon for the first time in this volume. Children at the beginning of their lives are currently at the center of political interests and scientific disciplines. Education, care, and upbringing in early childhood appear as key elements of individual and societal development. A determination of what early childhood education actually refers to is often implicitly assumed. This volume enables a critical discourse on the subject of early childhood education through the analysis of its fundamental phenomena, theoretical references, forms of institutionalization, and terminology.