Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/200486 
Year of Publication: 
2018
Series/Report no.: 
LICOS Discussion Paper No. 402
Publisher: 
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, LICOS Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance, Leuven
Abstract: 
A key challenge in developing countries interested in providing early childhood development programs at scale is whether these programs can be effectively delivered through existing public service infrastructures. We present the results of a randomized experiment evaluating the effects of a home-based parenting program delivered by cadres in China's Family Planning Commission (FPC) - the former enforcers of the onechild policy. We find that the program 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 program. Household participation in the program was associated with the degree to which participants had a favorable view of the FPC, which also increased due to the program.
Subjects: 
Early Childhood Development
Parenting
China
Poverty
Family Planning
JEL: 
J13
I21
I28
H11
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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