Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is the first stage of the Spanish education system, and applies to children aged 0–5 years. Participation is voluntary. ECEC is divided into two 3-year cycles:

• the first cycle (for children aged 0–2 years)
• the second cycle (for children aged 3–5 years).

The state and regional educational bodies establish the educational guidelines that apply to all stages of ECEC.

The first cycle of ECEC, which corresponds to International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level 010, is the responsibility of the departments of education of the autonomous communities, except for the autonomous community of Galicia, where the responsibility falls also on the Department of Social Policy.

The second cycle, which corresponds to ISCED level 020, falls under the responsibility of the departments of education of the autonomous communities. In the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training directly controls the two cycles.

The two cycles can be provided either in separate settings or in unitary settings for both cycles (escuelas infantiles).

In Spain, ECEC takes place mainly in schools; however, home-based ECEC provision is also an option. Home-based ECEC provision takes place at the home of the service provider (childminder). Home-based provision exists in two autonomous communities: the Community of Madrid and the Chartered Community of Navarre. It is directed to the first cycle (for children aged 0–2 years).

The second cycle of ECEC is free of charge. In order to meet the demands of families, educational administrations must guarantee enough places in public schools and in publicly funded private schools. Although it is not compulsory, the second cycle has become widespread throughout the country, so that, at present, practically 100% of children aged 3–5 years attend ECEC settings.