This paperback presents a cross-cultural analysis of early childhood education, focusing on the public primary educational systems in England and the United States. American failures and English successes are emphasized. Differences in teacher preparation, curriculum control, and classroom freedom are discussed. The English system is analyzed according to the following issues: (1) mechanisms of change, (2) criticisms of the current reforms from various ideological and academic perspectives, (3) teacher characteristics and role expectations, (4) administrator responsibilities, and (5) major problems, particularly class bias. The final chapter is a discussion of what Americans can learn from English primary schools. (DP)