一财社论：入托率仅8%，托育服务立法迫在眉睫

Core Viewpoint - The legislative process for the Childcare Services Law aims to provide legal protection for childcare services for children under three years old, addressing key issues such as the availability of childcare slots, reasonable pricing, and quality improvement in the sector [1][5]. Group 1: Legislative Framework - The upcoming review of the Childcare Services Law draft by the National People's Congress is a significant step towards establishing a legal framework for childcare services [1]. - Prior to this review, various departments have issued documents to support the development of a universal childcare service system, laying the groundwork for the law [1]. Group 2: Current State of Childcare Services - The overall level of childcare services in China is low, with a national enrollment rate of only 7.86% for children under three, compared to around 50% in developed countries [1]. - Key issues contributing to this low enrollment include insufficient childcare slots, high service costs, and varying service quality [1]. Group 3: Government Role and Investment - Local governments need to recognize the importance of childcare services and invest appropriately in infrastructure to meet the needs of families [2]. - There is a misconception that the issue of insufficient childcare slots will resolve itself with declining birth rates, leading to inadequate action in developing childcare services [2]. Group 4: Cost Reduction Strategies - The average monthly fee for private childcare services is 1,978 yuan per person, with prices in first-tier cities exceeding 5,500 yuan, creating a significant gap between costs and what families can afford [3]. - To make childcare services more accessible, there is a need to increase public childcare slots and regulate the pricing mechanisms of private institutions to reflect public welfare [3]. Group 5: Quality Improvement Measures - The quality of childcare services is inconsistent, with only 42% of childcare institutions registered, leading to safety and health concerns [4]. - Strengthening the regulatory framework for childcare institutions and establishing qualification standards for caregivers are essential to improve service quality [4].