Child Care from a Global Perspective

OVERVIEW OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

1. An overview of the country---LiLi Chen2. History of the childcare system---Lei

Zhang3. Description of the type of childcare

system (formal, informal)---Yan Wen Shi 4. Availability & Accessibility (is it for

everyone, government funded or private)—Li Yin

5. The underlying philosophy---XueLian Li6. Training & Roles of the childcare

workers---Shanhong Zou

the history of the childcare system

Kindergarten: From 1871 “kindergarten” concept introduced 1876 First kindergarten born 1926 The Kindergarten Ordinance enacted 1947 Became the basic stage of school education

(ministry of education)

Day Care Centre: 1890 First daycare center established From 1894 Daycare centers established within factories 1908 Subsides provided 1947 Became a child welfare facility (ministry of Health and Welfare)

Childcare systemFormal:Kindergartens

• Ministry of education• Between 3&5 years old• 5 hours/day• Fixed tuition fee

Daycare Centers• Ministry of health of welfare• 0-5 years old• 8 hours/day• Flexible fee

Informal:Unlicensed home careLive in nanny

Availability and Accessibility

Attendance to Pre−school Education1960s, 3-6yrs, 26.9%1976, 2-6yrs, 63.5%1981, 4-5yrs, 100%

Public Kindergarten & Daycare CenterFinancial resources

Private Kindergarten & Daycare CenterFunding resources

Trend of Free Education“Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education” (July 2008)2013 +5% of attendance

The underlying philosophy1. Etiquette-children learn etiquette which is an important part of Japanese culture.

2. Independence-children learn independence through participating in activities & play.

3. Confidence-children develop their confidence by free to play, explore and try new things.

Training of the childcare workers

Training:Kindergarten Level 1 Certificate: 4 years education for university

graduates Level 2 Certificate: 2 years education for junior-

college graduates

Day care Center Level 2 Certificate: 2 years education for junior-

college graduates(Same as Kindergarten)

Educator’s roles Maintain health & safety policies and procedures Create a framework for good programs and

Curriculums Partner with parent…