Developmental Typologies of 5-Year-Old Children in Relation to Family Income and Region: Evidence from Mongolia

This study investigates the developmental typologies of five-year-old children in Mongolia, focusing on (1) identifying distinct developmental typologies across six key domains — social relationships, physical movement & health, communication, natural exploration, mathematical imagination, and art experience — and (2) exploring how family income status and geographic location interact in relation to the likelihood of children being classified into these typologies. Data from 427 children in urban and affluent rural areas revealed four typologies—Low, Below Average, Above Average, and High—showing a linear, gradual progression rather than isolated delays in certain domains. Children in the Low group exhibited delays across all domains, while those in the High group showed advanced development, with other groups positioned along the continuum. These findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to early childhood education, fostering growth across all developmental areas. Margin effect results indicated that children in affluent rural areas, supported by industries such as mining, were more likely to be in the High group compared to urban peers. The interaction between family income and geographic location showed that income had a stronger association with developmental outcomes in rural areas, suggesting that economic resources may mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation.