Investments in Human Capital in Early Childhood: Economic Theory, Data, and Implications for the Design of Parenting Program

doi:10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2019.03.014

Abstract

Abstract: Investments in early childhood have significant economic benefits in the future labor market. This paper tries to find out the ways to improve family investment in early childhood development by analyzing the characteristics of human capital formation and reasons why families may not adequately invest in early childhood development. It also introduces the background, intervention methods and effects of the Lena Initiative for Early Childhood Development. Based on the results of existing investment projects, it's hoped that the Chinese government can further increase its investment in the field of early childhood development, promote the comprehensive development of children, and foster the human capital development of children in poor rural areas.

Key words: human capital, early childhood development, family investment, LENA Start Program

Flavio Cunha, Li Shanshan, Wang Boya, Jiang Qi, Yue Ai. Investments in Human Capital in Early Childhood: Economic Theory, Data, and Implications for the Design of Parenting Program[J]. Journal of East China Normal University(Educationa, 2019, 37(3): 157-163.

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