Trends in Early Childhood Education and Care Systems in Japan, Korea, and China: Focusing on Education and Care Curriculums Related to Healthy Growth of Children in Japan, Korea, and China

Abstract

  Understanding the early childhood education and care (ECEC) systems in multinations is important to improve their current situation for children. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed governmental supports for the ECEC in three East Asian countries, Japan, South Korea, and China, as well as their stated goals on children’s mental and physical health, actual statuses, and challenges. In particular, the administrations in all the three countries are clearly stating the importance of, in addition to development of physical strength and lifestyle, and prevention of diseases, the guarantee of children’s own “play” and independence in the ECEC. The knowledge discussed here will lead to realizing the goals in our constantly changing social environment.