A key challenge in developing countries interested in providing early childhood development (ECD) programmes at scale is whether these programmes can be effectively delivered through existing public service infrastructures. We present the results of a randomised experiment evaluating the effects of a home-based parenting programme delivered by cadres in China’s Family Planning Commission (FPC)—the former enforcers of the one-child policy. We find that the programme significantly increased infant skill development after six months and that increased investments by caregivers alongside improvements in parenting skills were a major mechanism through which this occurred. Children who lagged behind in their cognitive development and received little parental investment at the onset of the intervention benefited most from the programme. Household participation in the programme was associated with the degree to which participants had a favourable view of the FPC, which also increased due to the programme.
Authors
CPP Co-Director
Orazio is an International Research Fellow at the IFS, a Professor at Yale and a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Renfu Luo
Scott Rozelle
Sean Sylvia
Nele Warrinnier
Ai Yue
Alexis Medina
Journal article details
- DOI
- 10.1093/ej/ueaa114
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- JEL
- H11, I21, I28, J13
- Issue
- Volume 131, Issue 635, April 2021
Suggested citation
Attanasio, O et al. (2021). 'From quantity to quality: delivering a home-based parenting intervention through China's family planning cadres' 131(635/2021)
More from IFS
Understand this issue
Sure Start achieved its aims, then we threw it away
15 April 2024
Still a man’s world? Gender inequalities, parenthood and the workplace
23 August 2023
A mess has been made of Child Benefit, and the clear-up operation may not be easy
29 March 2024
Policy analysis
What you need to know about the new childcare entitlements
28 March 2024
The short- and medium-term impacts of Sure Start on educational outcomes
9 April 2024
Sure Start greatly improved disadvantaged children’s GCSE results
9 April 2024
Academic research
Imagine your life at 25: Gender conformity and later-life outcomes
24 April 2024
Keeping the peace whilst getting your way: Information, persuasion and intimate partner violence
17 May 2024
Parental beliefs, perceived health risks, and time investment in children
15 April 2024