Early childhood education, care, and development (ECECD) has reached global prominence as seen in the United Nations' facilitated "Global Conversation" and by the actions of many international organizations (UNESCO, 2006; UNICEF, 2004; UNDP, 2014).    Eleven diverse articles are presented in this themed journal as a contribution to the rich, on-going conversations about the importance of global ECECD programs and practices.
 

This issue includes articles that present evidence about the complex inter-relationships that exist between creativity, cognitive neuroscience, socio-cultural context, and education.  The articles in this issue provide examples of teacher training, teaching, skill development, and approaches to teaching that provide opportunities for innovation and problem solving.