Trends in government expenditure in early childhood education in China: Practices in Shanghai, Guizhou, and Ningshan

As a result of the National Medium- and Long-term Education Reform and Development Plan (2010–2020), expenditure on early childhood education (ECE) from central, provincial, and local governments has substantially increased, and concerted efforts have been made to enhance ECE in rural areas. This chapter considers the financing of ECE in the PRC against the background of the National Development Plan. It illustrates trends in government expenditure by providing case studies of ECE expenditure in regions that vary widely in terms of economic development – Shanghai, Guizhou, and Ningshan. Shanghai is a highly developed municipality and the local government accorded considerable attention to improving ECE, even in the era when ECE was neglected across the nation. Guizhou is a “backward” province compared to those in the east in China. Investment in ECE in Guizhou significantly increased after the ratification of the National Development Plan, and great progress has been made. The case of Ningshan, a financially distressed county in Shaanxi province, is provided to illustrate the commendable specific efforts from a local rural government. Copyright © 2017 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.