The effects of an innovative caregiver education program on knowledge of child development in China

Abstract

Given the importance of caregivers’ knowledge of child development, 14 Chinese provinces initiated caregiver education programs to promote caregivers’ knowledge of child development since 2016. Using a survey in Guangdong province in China, this study finds that the frequency of program usage had positive effects on caregivers’ knowledge of child development. Particularly, online development evaluations and in-home sessions, which emphasize interaction and individualization, appeared to have more salient effects than traditional services such as educational lectures. In order to carry this momentum forward, the findings suggest that caregiver education programs should strengthen interactive and individualized services.