Early childhood curriculum development in China

Abstract

This chapter outlines major influences on early childhood education curriculum in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from a historical perspective, considers challenges for curriculum development and implementation, and provides suggestions to further enhance the early childhood education curriculum. Before the twentieth century, the care and education of young children was considered a family responsibility. The establishment of the first kindergarten in China formally acknowledged the role of educational institutions in the upbringing of young children. A corollary to the establishment of preschools is the need for a curriculum to meet educational goals. During the past century, curriculum guidelines for young children have undergone many changes, reflecting sociopolitical and economic changes and the burgeoning body of research on early childhood education in the PRC.