Chinese parents are becoming more anxious about their children's early childhood education. (Photo : Getty Images)
A survey launched by China Youth Daily shows that 55.4 percent of Chinese parents are supportive of the proposal making preschools for 3 to 5-year-olds compulsory.
Parents included in the poll believe that the move will not just enhance their children's learning but will also regulate the private marketplace. The survey polled nearly 2,000 parents.
Meanwhile, 24.2 percent said they disagree with the suggestion and 20.4 said they had no opinion.
Out of the surveyed parents, 35.2 percent live in first-tier Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Majority have been college or university-educated.
"The expenses of preschool education are so huge that it would be good to include preschool education into the compulsory curriculum," shared new mother Li Qin, one of those who supported the idea.
"I believe the government will do it eventually, but the assignment of funds and the making of regulations need time," she added.
With the advent of urbanization, many young parents have attached importance to their children's early education. In fact, the survey showed that 52.7 percent of the parents said they have sent their kids to early-childhood academic institutions.
Asked about these institutions' qualities, 61.2 percent shared that they are anxious about the teachers' qualifications, 57.5 percent said that the fees are too high, and 36.2 percent said that they are using various ways to trick parents.
Nonetheless, 15.2 percent said that the institution's educational concepts and curricula give good results, and another 9.4 percent believe that enrolling in such places can be very beneficial to their children.
Commenting on the necessity of attending early-childhood lessons, 56.2 percent think that it is quite necessary.
"Each stage of children's growth has its rules and needs scientific guidance. Since my son was born, I have started to train his ability to act and when he grows older, I will cultivate his emotional and literal abilities," Li stated.
Li, however, noted that "the degree of education at this stage should be handled well, and rushing into primary school education should be avoided."
