ABSTRACT
This chapter explores current early years provision in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and, in particular, the challenges faced in developing a well-educated early years workforce. It will focus on the emerging picture, exploring the qualifications and experience of staff engaged in delivering early years care and education, and the key challenges faced when implementing appropriate pedagogy and care within the context of cultural expectations. Examples drawn from personal experience will be used to illustrate some of the issues under discussion. The aim is not to criticize but to examine the issues and encourage the reader to understand the challenges and complexities in developing a contemporary early years workforce to meet the 21st century needs of Chinese children and their families.
