International Journal of Research Studies in Management
CollabWritive Special Issue
2026 Volume 14 Issue 5
Available Online: 31 August 2026
Author/s:
Zhang, Fengjie*
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
Mauhay, Romana Celeste A.
Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
Abstract:
This study examined the influence of demographic shifts, economic resources, and parental education preferences on kindergarten enrollment in China and served as the basis for a development plan to strengthen early childhood education. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed using survey questionnaires administered to parents of kindergarten children. Descriptive statistics, tests of significance, and correlation analyses were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the respondents were predominantly middle-aged individuals with moderate to higher educational attainment, belonged mostly to middle-income households, and resided primarily in semi-urban areas. Respondents generally agreed that demographic shifts significantly influenced kindergarten enrollment, with birth rate trends and migration and urbanization identified as the most influential factors. Economic resources were also found to have a strong influence on enrollment decisions, with household income emerging as the most important consideration. Regarding parental education preferences, respondents highly valued curriculum and learning content, while school environment and cultural and moral values received comparatively lower ratings. The results further indicated that demographic and socioeconomic factors significantly shaped parental priorities and expectations concerning kindergarten education. Moreover, a significant relationship was found between demographic shifts and economic constraints, suggesting that population changes are closely associated with financial pressures affecting kindergarten enrollment. Based on these findings, a Proposed Development Plan for Strengthening Policy Support, Educational Quality, and Equity in Early Childhood Education in China was developed. The study recommends collaborative efforts among educational supervisors, teachers, parents, community leaders, local government units, and future researchers to improve access, quality, equity, and evidence-based policy implementation in early childhood education.
Keywords: kindergarten enrollment, demographic shifts, economic resources, parental education preferences, early childhood education, educational equity, household income, China
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26115
Cite this article:
Zhang, F., & Mauhay, R. C. A. (2026). Demographic shifts, parental economic resources and educational preferences on early childhood education in China. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 14(5), 105-120. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2026.26115
* Corresponding Author