Drawing from well-known early childhood approaches including Montessori, Reggio Emilia, HighScope, Tools of the Mind, Bank Street College of Education, Friends Center for Children, and Waldorf, the Principles of Ideal Learning outline core concepts that form the foundation of high-quality early childhood education. These principles allow for multiple approaches, models, and traditions, and take into account the varied contexts within which early educators and care providers work. There are several essential beliefs that thread throughout including a commitment to play, equity, relationship- based interactions, an ecologically-focused and child-centered perspective, and a strength-based approach with children, adults, and families. (author abstract)