This study presents some of the major drivers and challenges encountered in policy planning for early childhood care and education (ECCE), an analysis of the evolution of ECCE policy planning in all world regions from before 2000 to the present, and data regarding the current national and regional distribution of ECCE policies, strategic plans and laws. As of July 2014, at least 68 countries had adopted one or more of these ECCE policy instruments. An additional 10 countries are reliably reported to have adopted policy instruments, and 23 countries are currently preparing them. Country case studies on policy development and initial implementation are provided, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Myanmar and Rwanda. Finally, salient conclusions and recommendations are offered. This paper was commissioned by the Education for All Global Monitoring Report as background information to assist in drafting the 2015 report.