Preschool Federations as a Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Early Childhood Education in China

Teaming a strong preschool with less-developed, rural, or newly established preschools is an effective strategy to promote quality. Since 2015, Shanghai has sought improve education quality through collaboration. Guided by the “3A2S” theoretical framework, this study evaluated development and effectiveness of federations in city using mixed-methods approach. First, document analysis was conducted depict features Shanghai, which identified three main features. Next, survey including 702 stakeholders assess evaluations administrators, teachers, parents federations. Finally, interview 15 triangulate findings study. Results revealed that highly approbated federations, but parents’ evaluation significantly lower than other stakeholders. sustainability affordability federation policy are discussed herein. Implications for management also presented.