Predictors of preschool process quality in a Chinese context

Abstract

This study examined how well (i) structural measures which are monitored by the government such as the physical environment, Health/Safety, Staff qualifications and Staff-child ratios; and (ii) management-related measures such as administration/evaluation, and Staff-parent interactions predicted process quality of preschools in Hong Kong. Focusing on provision for 4-year-olds, 60 preschools, representative of the range of preschools in Hong Kong, were observed to determine process quality. Information about structural measures was obtained through interviews of principals/supervisors and complemented by observations. Results indicated significant intercorrelations among structural, management-related and process measures. There was considerable variability in process quality with higher process quality evident in preschools which exceeded government requirements for staff qualifications, space and equipment, and staff-child ratios. Structural and management-related measures significantly contributed to prediction of process quality and accounted for 27% of the variance in it. These findings have implications for increasing the stringency of regulatory requirements and training focusing on the management of preschools in Hong Kong. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.