A Study Abouth The Status Of Supply And Demand For Child Care Service In Shanghai And Thoughts On The Functions Of Early Learning Centers

At this stage in China,0-3 years old child care service system needs improvement.The cost of living is becoming higher and higher for families and child care issues are becoming more and more prominent.The main problem that our country is facing nowadays is the challenges of improving child care services.This study was conducted in Shanghai's P and B diastricts.This study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods of research.Firstly,surveys are conducted in order to find out the needs and expectations of 0-3 years old children currently enrolled or are planning to enroll in child care services.Secondly,the heads of Early Learning Centers were also interviewed.Finally,based on the study of supply and demand,we also explore the functions of Early Learning Centers.This study concluded that the supply and demand of child care services in China was imbalanced in a lot of aspects such as age,time,content and form.Based on the research that we conducted,Early Learning Centers are in need of optimization.It is clearly reflected in imbalance in the structures of child care services in the country.The structures of the individual early learning centers are heavily influenced by their respected heads.The main reasons are the imperfection of the child care service system,the surge in demand for childbirth policies to promote childcare,the change in family structure and function,and the failure of early education centers to fully perform their functions.The result of this study aims to find out recommendations on how Early Learning Centers would be able to expand their childcare services.Firstly,the government should continue to increase their investments on Early Learning Centers.Secondly,Early Learning Centers should be more creative in utilizing their resources.They should also employ a shifting schedule in order to incrase their availibity especially on weekends.Thirdly,Early Learning Centers should take action in order to improve both the quality and quantity of their teachers.Finally,Early Learning Centers should make full use of their respective community resources.