A survey of current pre-school education of/for children from urban low-income families in Beijing

This study investigated the pre-school education of children from low-income families in six urban districts of Beijing, using questionnaires and in-depth interviews with respondents from district educational committees, sub-district and residents' committees, nursery schools, and low-income families. The results indicated that (1) the number of nursery schools in Beijing's urban districts showed a decreasing trend by year and that these schools were not evenly distributed; and (2) nursery school fees for usage were high, especially for low-income families. These fees acted as a barrier for many of the children from this socio-economic background, leaving a number of such children with no opportunity to receive pre-school education. There was no attempt by the local government and/or communities to provide adequate financial and educational support for lowincome families. Recommendations are made with regard to improving the current situation.