Persistent Urban-Rural Disparities in Early Childhood Development in China: The Roles of Maternal Education, Home Learning Environments, and Early Childhood Education

China has made significant progress in enhancing maternal and child health over the past 70 years but geographic-based disparities in early childhood development remain. This study investigated trends in urban-rural gaps in early childhood development and the factors that influence them by leveraging secondary data from the China Family Panel Studies (2010-2018). We also analyzed data from two representative surveys involving direct assessments of child outcomes. In 2018, there were marked reductions in urban-rural differences in participation in center-based early education; the education level of mothers raising children under five years; and cognitive stimulation at home compared to 2010. While urban-rural disparities in children's health status have decreased, persistent and significant urban-rural gaps in young children's early developmental outcomes still exist. These disparities are associated with urban-rural differences in maternal education, which affect both children's early home learning and early childhood education experiences. Suggestions to reduce such inequalities are advanced.