How Early Childhood Education and Care Affects Children's Social-Emotional Development: Evidence from a Three Level Meta-Analysis

As the labor market evolves, early childhood care and education（ECEC） services have increasingly become the primary means for the working population to care for children. However, the role and impact of these services have long been controversial, particularly concerning children's non-cognitive abilities. Numerous studies have yielded meaningful but contradictory findings. Therefore, this study aims to synthesize existing research using meta-analysis to draw more generalizable and reliable conclusions. This will help clarify the effects of childcare services on the development of children's social-emotional competence and provide insights for the practice and development of such services.