The research findings presented in this report offer an overview of current approaches and interventions aimed at combating educational disadvantage among rural birth-to-three-year-olds and their families. This overview is informed by an evaluation of international research and direct engagement with a sample of rural families in Ireland. When set in the context of international studies, many of the findings reported confirm existing trends towards identifying and supporting rural families that may be 'at risk' of educational disadvantage. (author abstract)