Impacts of rural revitalization on early childhood education in China: a triangulated stakeholder study

In the context of China's rural revitalization strategy, significant and rapid advancements have been observed in the realm of ECE within rural regions. Nevertheless, a notable research gap exists concerning the specific impacts of this rural revitalization initiative on ECE as perceived by stakeholders. This study endeavours to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the effects of China's rural revitalization on ECE, employing a triangulated approach that incorporates viewpoints from various stakeholders. Employing a stratified cluster sampling methodology, data were collected from 753 rural parents, 98 teachers, and 13 principals. Initially, descriptive statistics revealed that stakeholders in China generally held a favourable view regarding the influence of rural revitalization on ECE, with the evaluation of kindergarten conditions ranking highest, while financial investment received the lowest rating. Subsequently, a comparative analysis across stakeholders indicated that parents exhibited relatively fewer positive assessments compared to teachers and principals. Lastly, hierarchical regression analysis unveiled that kindergarten type and quality ratings emerged as pivotal positive predictors, even after accounting for demographic and social variables. These findings underscore the significance of understanding stakeholder expectations regarding policies and underscore the necessity for enhanced financial allocations to ensure the sustainable and high-quality advancement of rural ECE services.