On 22 May 2024, Dr Cathy Hung, Dr Ye Zhang and Ms Rouyu Wen delivered a public talk on the Chinese Kindergarten Quality Rating Scale (CKQRS) project and shared the key findings. The project has explored the development and validation of a Quality Framework and Standards for ECE in China, with geographical focus on two provinces – Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces.

Ms Rouyu Wen introduced the project scope and objectives and shared that the need for changes in ECE industry is imminent and important. The project aims to come up with a scale to facilitate comprehensive evaluations, self-assessment by educators, and support educational reforms by providing a structured approach to enhance the quality of kindergarten education.

Dr Cathy Hung shared the development and validation of CKQRS, which is based on the Integrated Model of ECEC Quality. Using the Delphi Method, the draft version was reviewed 18 ECEC experts and revised for two rounds to assure the content validity. The CKQRS was evaluated in 112 kindergartens using various measures, including ECERS-R and PAS, to determine its concurrent validity. The results showed good content validity and significant associations with ECERS-R and PAS items. The CKQRS was also found to have a good fit with a five-factor model, allowing for the evaluation of ECEC quality through five components: proximal features, learning and development support, program planning, physical space, health and safety, and administration and management.

Dr Zhang finally highlighted four implications drawn from the study, including policy and program support, teacher-child interaction quality, inclusive organisational culture and teacher well-being. These not only ring the bell for kindergarten operators but also serve as a guidance for strategic and operational directions.  The success of early childhood education relies on various factors and the research study has pointed out the key successful factors for the industry players. This culturally relevant tool offers a validated measure to guide kindergarten practices, contributing to the ongoing development of ECE in China.

Prof Allan Yuen mentioned that this research project was started three years ago (in 2021) and the first time worked with local government on advocating changes in policy. The success of this project demonstrates the importance of collaboration between academia and government in promoting positive changes in early childhood education in China.