In the face of insurmountable obstacles generated by poverty in low democracy states this is a book that provides hope through a remarkable insight into how the Open Society contributed to global early childhood education (ECE). Over a period of three decades from the 1990s it follows the work of the Step by Step programme. The authors have captured how systemic support for ECE can help ameliorate inequality for young children. A must read for anyone wanting to see how sustainable change is possible.

Iram Siraj OBE, Professor of Child Development, University of Oxford, UK

What sparked the transformative wave in early childhood education across Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe, and the former Soviet Union after the fall of the Berlin Wall? Dive into a compelling first-hand narrative that chronicles the journey of the Step by Step program from model kindergartens to a global movement, championing inclusive, creative, and democratic learning environments. An essential read for anyone passionate about the power of education in shaping open societies.

Iveta Silova, Professor and Associate Dean of Global Engagement, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University, USA

The encouraging message of this book is strengthening early childhood practitioners' readiness for change, dealing with resistance to change and creating inclusive, democratic and qualitative education for young children. Although this book explores Step by Step and Open Society's Early Childhood Program, the content, different topics and theoretical analysis have a universal application in the phenomenology of transforming ECEC in general.

Lidija Miskeljin, University of Belgrade, Serbia