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Conclusions: Similarities and Distinctions in Early Childhood Education Across Chinese Societies

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Early Childhood Education in Chinese Societies

Abstract

In this chapter, early childhood education (ECE) in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, and Taiwan are compared in terms of (i) separation/integration of childcare services and kindergarten education, (ii) degree of public vs. private funding for ECE, (iii) unique cultural history and influences on ECE, and (iv) government guidelines and policy. It analyzes ECE policy in terms of the glocalization vs. globalization, the Confucian ideal of education, and adaptation vs. adoption. The chapter concludes by suggesting that it is time for ECE in Chinese societies to not just stride ahead but to acknowledge, accept, and integrate the learnings from different eras and societies.

Special thanks go to Ms. Anupa K Ramana for her assistance in preparing this chapter

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Institutions for children 3 months to 5 years old, with special authorization for up to 7 years old

  2. 2.

    Institutions for children around 3 years to 6 years old

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Nirmala Rao

  2. Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Jin Sun

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  1. Nirmala Rao
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  2. Jin Sun
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Correspondence to Nirmala Rao .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Nirmala Rao

  2. Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

    Jing Zhou

  3. Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Jin Sun

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Rao, N., Sun, J. (2017). Conclusions: Similarities and Distinctions in Early Childhood Education Across Chinese Societies. In: Rao, N., Zhou, J., Sun, J. (eds) Early Childhood Education in Chinese Societies. International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education and Development, vol 19. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1004-4_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1004-4_15

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-024-1003-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-024-1004-4

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