A Quantitative Study of Early Childhood Care and Education Services Under the Age of Three: Evidence From Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

In China, early childhood care and education services for children under the age of three are neglected to some extent. Based on survey data from the Health Commission in Sichuan Province of China, this study analyzes the situation of early childhood care and education services in Sichuan through a qualitative method, using an analytical framework of matching the demand and supply. The findings reveal a mismatch between demand and supply of early childhood care and education services. This gap is likely to have a negative impact on children's self-development, family stability, and even the construction of national early childhood care and education service system. Drawing on the findings, suggestions for improving the mismatch between demand and supply are provided at the state, community and institution levels.

Type of Family Support for Infant and Toddler Care That Relieves Parenting Stress: Does the Number of Children Matter?

“…With the strengthening of policy guidance on infant and toddler care, research attention regarding this field is increasing. Some studies have revealed a mismatch between the demand and supply of infant and toddler care support [22,27]. However, previous studies have lacked a systematic theoretical framework for integrating types of infant and toddler care support comprehensively.…”

“…Previous studies have investigated family support for childcare and parenting stress separately [7,20]. However, there is a lack of research in the context of the three-child policy [12,21], and previous studies have not considered the characteristics of family structure changes [22]. In addition, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of infant and toddler care support from the perspective of the family, and the impact on parenting stress is also unclear.…”