Ebni Sholikhah, Hakimul Ikhwan, Puguh Prasetya Utomo, Anggi Rahajeng
Parental expectations play a pivotal role in shaping early childhood education (ECE) systems; however, existing research often frames these expectations as individual preferences rather than institutional demands. This semi-systematic review synthesized 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2024 to explore how parental expectations function as relational demands that influence preschool governance and service design. Guided by the ecological systems theory, stakeholder theory, and demand-side governance, this study conceptualizes expectations as dynamic claims formed through parents’ lived experiences and interactions with ECE institutions. The findings indicate that parents of typically developing children emphasize goals, such as school readiness, character building, and socio-emotional growth. By contrast, parents of children with disabilities prioritize accessibility, inclusion, and professional support, often expressing their expectations as moral claims for recognition and equitable treatment. These different emphases reflect distinct institutional encounters and reveal how parental demands are shaped by cultural norms, policy environments, and service gaps. This study highlights the critical role of parental voice in building responsive and inclusive early education systems. Implications are discussed for theory and policy, urging a shift toward more dialogic, family centered governance that recognizes parents not merely as service users, but as co-constructors of institutional change. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026.
Doctoral Program of Leadership and Policy Innovation, The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Educational Policy, Faculty of Education, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Public Policy and Management, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Economics and Business, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
