Early childhood education (ECE) plays a critical role in shaping a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, laying the foundation for future academic and professional success. This chapter explores the importance of ECE within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.2, which advocates for equitable access to quality early education. It highlights disparities across European countries, with a focus on Serbia, where regional, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities persist despite legislative reforms and increased investments in preschool infrastructure. The analysis underscores that while many European nations have made substantial progress in expanding early education, significant challenges remain—particularly in marginalized and rural communities. Countries with strong policy frameworks, such as Malta and Russia, demonstrate near-universal participation rates, while others, like North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, face low enrollment and gender disparities. Serbia mirrors these trends, with notable regional disparities between urban and rural areas and an overwhelming gender imbalance among educators. The chapter emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to bridge educational gaps, including improving inclusivity, teacher training, and infrastructure development. It also stresses the importance of integrating innovative teaching methods and data-driven policymaking to ensure that all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to high-quality early education opportunities.