Journal of East China Normal University(Educational Sciences) ›› 2024, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (11): 74-94.doi: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2024.11.005

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Towards High-level Evidence: The Evolution and Contribution of Knowledge in Early Childhood Development in China

Yaojiang Shi, Qiannan Song, Xinyue Zhang, Yuan Gao, Shibin Liang, Yali Zhang, Ai Yue   

  1. Center for Experimental Economics in Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
  • Accepted:2024-08-18 Online:2024-11-01 Published:2024-10-18

Abstract:

Investing in early childhood development (ECD) has become a global priority. China recognized the significance of ECD for children aged 0-3 as early as the early 20th century. The evolution of ECD in China has progressed through five key stages: emergence, foundation, expansion, institutionalization, adjustment and innovation. Since 2010, China has actively integrated international best experiences, exploring and implementing various strategies to generate practical evidence that advances the field of ECD. Beginning in 2012, research teams have concentrated on two critical factors influencing ECD—nutrition and parenting—by conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 5,000 children aged 0-3 and their families in rural China. These studies have mapped the knowledge discovery process in the ECD field, evaluated the impact on children and families, and developed comprehensive models and operational plans for nutrition and parenting interventions executed by diverse stakeholders. These efforts culminated in the creation of detailed operational manuals. The evidence generated from these empirical studies not only provides robust support for China's ECD models but also serves as a valuable resource for the global community in exploring and refining ECD approaches. It is recommended that China develop and implement a nationwide ECD intervention plan to ensure that families across various regions and socioeconomic backgrounds have access to appropriate nutrition and parenting support. Furthermore, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and resource integration is essential for advancing the ECD agenda collectively.

Key words: early childhood development, knowledge evolution, knowledge contribution, high-level evidence in China