A review of early childhood studies.

Evidence based policy drawn from research in the life and social sciences, overwhelmingly supports investment in early childhood interventions. These policies have mainly been drawn from targeted interventions. In addition, the rigorous development of longitudinal studies has influenced the life course approach to childhood studies as well as contributing to policy debate and formation. This study provides an introduction to the many aspects of childhood studies. Analyses of the studies have identified a series of objectives common to many. Some have been achieved through different strategies particularly interventions. Many have been rigorously evaluated to varying levels of scientific success. In order to simplify the vast amount of information a typology of early childhood studies was developed with six strands identified. Some of the familiar themes to have emerged from these studies are highlighted and the paper concludes with a caveat for the development of such studies in Ireland.