我国幼儿园数量连续三年减少，多地试水“老幼共托”模式

Core Viewpoint - The decline in birth rates is significantly impacting the number of kindergartens in China, leading to a reduction in both the quantity of kindergartens and the enrollment of children in early education [1][2][3] Group 1: Kindergarten Statistics - As of 2024, there are 253,300 kindergartens in China, with 221,000 being inclusive kindergartens, accounting for 87.26% of the total [1] - The number of children enrolled in preschool education is 35.84 million, with 32.83 million in inclusive kindergartens, representing 91.61% of total enrollment [1] - The number of kindergartens has decreased for three consecutive years, with a reduction of 21,100 from 2023 to 2024, and a total decline of 148,080 from 2022 to 2023 [1][2] Group 2: Future Projections - The decline in kindergarten numbers is expected to affect primary, middle, and high school enrollments, with predictions indicating a decrease in demand for primary and middle schools by 51,400 and 3,800 respectively by 2035 compared to 2020 [2] - Although birth rates have been declining, the rate of decline is slowing, with an expected increase of 520,000 births in 2024 compared to 2023, which may stabilize the number of kindergartens in the future [2] Group 3: Innovative Models - Many kindergartens are exploring new models such as integrating childcare and elderly care, with some transforming into community nursing homes due to declining enrollment [3][4] - The trend of combining childcare and elderly care is gaining traction in various cities, with a significant increase in the elderly population projected to exceed 310 million by the end of 2024 [4] Group 4: Policy Adjustments - Local governments are optimizing educational resource allocation, with initiatives to build new public kindergartens in urban areas while halting new establishments in rural regions [5] - Experts suggest a need for proactive planning and top-level design to address the changes in birth rates and ensure sustainable development of educational institutions [5]