Project report
Early Childhood Development and Poverty Reduction in the People’s Republic of China
Wei Ha, Ye Xiao ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view ·Key points
Limitations
Abstract
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has eliminated absolute poverty in 2020. Its recent national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) highlights improving the quality of human capital as an essential goal. Research has shown that investing in early childhood development generates the highest rates of return and leads to better education, health, social, and economic outcomes. After decades of neglect, the government has been increasing investment in preschool education targeting children in ages 3–6 years since 2010. This paper recommends that a comprehensive and equitable early childhood development service system must be a priority in building essential public service systems.