Patricia Thompson, a women's studies educator, has in her previous writing proposed the Hestian/Hermean paradigm to distinguish dual systems of action that operate independently in the private, domestic (Hestian) sphere and the public, civic (Hermean) sphere. Based on her concept, this paper suggests that early childhood education might also be considered a Hestian discipline wherein sustenance and nurturance are primary goals. It is pointed out that both early childhood education and home economics education acknowledge the importance of the domestic domain in the development of individuals. The paper discusses the relationship between early childhood education and the Hestian/Hermean paradigm, the under-emphasis of the Hestian private domain, the under-conceptualization of the Hermean public domain, and the conceptualization of the Hestian and Hermean systems in early childhood education. The paper also discusses the development of an ethic of caring which permeates the Hestian system. The topics of affect and cognition, and attachment and separation are also addressed. Contains 19 references. (MOK)