Evaluation and Comparative Study of the Equalization Level of Basic Public Services of Preschool Education in Chinese Provinces

Abstract

An evaluation index system is constructed in the present study to evaluate the equalization level of basic public services of provincial preschool education. This index is based on the defined connotation and constituent elements of equalization of basic public services in preschool education, combined with empirical preliminary screening and optimized screening methods. AHP method, entropy method, and critical method are used to determine the index weight and obtain the equalization level of basic public services of preschool education in 31 provinces (cities) in China at different periods. This paper conducts an in-depth comparative analysis of the overall level and main indicators of equalization of basic public services in preschool education in different provinces. The analysis is based on the above mentioned methods combined with the global and local spatial correlation analysis method, factor contribution analysis, and index dispersion coefficient analysis. Results showed that, from 2010 to 2018, the overall trend of the equalization level coefficient of basic public services of preschool education in all provinces (cities) in China was relatively stable. This result is depicted an obvious decreasing ladder distribution in the east, middle, and west, which suggests a stable aggregation and discrete distribution pattern in spatial distribution. The core-periphery spatial distribution pattern of the comprehensive score of equalization level of preschool education services in Chinese provinces was initially formed and was relatively stable. The analysis results of factor contribution and index dispersion coefficient can provide reference for local governments in formulating relevant regulatory policies to improve the equalization of basic public services in regional preschool education.