This article discusses data obtained through a qualitative study carried out from 2012 to 2013, the aim of which was to investigate the knowledge of teachers and managers of Early Childhood Education regarding laws and documents published in Brazil since 1980, geared towards this stage of Basic Education. The results suggest that subjects have a knowledge of the laws and documents relating to Early Childhood Education, but that there are major gaps that could affect their practices in nurseries and pre-schools, and the construction of their professional identities.