What Does the Gap Between Advocated Theories and Realistic Practice Mean: A Re-Conceptualization of the Early Childhood Curriculum Reform in China

Abstract

The Chinese economy, society and culture have experienced rapid transformation since the 1980s. All areas of education have undergone theoretical, philosophical and systematic modifications. Significant to the Chinese education system is the field of early childhood education and care which has also experienced monumental change. One of the most significant changes that have influenced early years care and education has been curriculum reform. This chapter provides a comprehensive and critical review of curriculum, key changes and reforms that have provided stimulus and challenge for early childhood educators in China. While describing the main changes and challenges of early childhood curriculum, our aim is not to just present an encyclopedic description of how early childhood curriculum has developed in China but rather to critically analysis the curriculum reform within the Chinese socio-political-economic context. Therefore this chapter also provides a discussion about the future of early childhood curriculum reform in China considering curriculum reform history and influences of western theories & thoughts.