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Education on the cheap and early child development: Evidence from the free compulsory education reform in rural China

Author

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  • Zhang, Xinwu
  • Jia, Xiyuan
  • Ma, Yue

Abstract

This paper examines how maternal exposure to China’s free compulsory education reform (FCER) affects children’s early childhood development (ECD) between 11 and 30 months old. We join individual-level survey data with provincial-level statistics on education from two economically disadvantaged rural provinces. Using a cohort-based difference-in-differences approach, we exploit birth-cohort and regional differences in exposure to the reform. We find that children whose mothers experienced the FCER exhibit significant gains in overall, cognitive, language, and motor development measured by the Caregiver Reported Early Development Instruments. The effect on language development is stronger among children from rich households. Potential mechanisms were explored: The FCER may improve children’s home environments by improving maternal education, enhancing parenting knowledge and practices, and increasing spending on ECD.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xinwu & Jia, Xiyuan & Ma, Yue, 2026. "Education on the cheap and early child development: Evidence from the free compulsory education reform in rural China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:204:y:2026:i:c:s0305750x26001038
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2026.107414
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