This paper presents a study on public policies and early childhood education management. It focuses on interviews with professionals responsible for early childhood education who worked in education departments in twenty-four cities. After presenting the theoretical-methodological framework, the conception of interview and the way it was developed, the article describes the research context, the profile of respondents and analyses the main results concerning: the management and coverage of education services; conditions (financial resources, equipment and space); political continuity; organization and operation of municipal education departments; relations between departments and institutions; management of pedagogical proposals; access to early childhood education; the social role of early childhood education; early childhood education professionals; working conditions and training. At the end, the article systematizes conclusions and public policy priorities.
public management; early childhood education; municipal policies
