An independent agency - the Early Childhood Education Agency (ECEA) - will be established to undertake tasks related to standard setting, evaluation and inspection, curriculum development, qualifications, research and development.

A Quality in Education (QE) mark will be developed and awarded to providers who meet standards concerning training, learning objectives and curriculum, with a system of inspection to be put in place to determine whether provision meets these standards.

The State will be involved, where necessary, in direct provision for the disadvantaged and children with special needs.

A multi-faceted strategy is proposed to facilitate and encourage parental involvement, including information, advice and increased availability of parenting courses.