Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant changes in the enrollment situation of kindergartens in major cities, highlighting a shift from a shortage of spots to an oversupply, driven by a decrease in the number of eligible children and an increase in kindergarten resources [1][2][3]. Enrollment and Recruitment - The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security have issued a notice to enhance the recruitment of teachers in primary and secondary schools, aligning it with the employment of college graduates [1]. - Many public kindergartens are now facing surplus spots and are opening enrollment to non-local families, indicating a shift in the previous "difficult enrollment" scenario [5][6]. Population and Kindergarten Enrollment Trends - In 2024, the number of children enrolled in kindergartens in 15 major cities with populations over 10 million decreased by 635,600, a decline of 9.9%, while the national average decline was 12.4% [4][6]. - The total number of kindergartens in cities like Beijing and Suzhou has increased, despite the overall decrease in enrolled children, indicating a strategic response to changing demographics [7][10]. Quality of Early Childhood Education - The article emphasizes the need for high-quality early childhood education, with ongoing efforts to improve resource allocation and service quality in response to the changing population dynamics [2][10]. - In cities like Beijing and Suzhou, the increase in kindergarten numbers is aimed at better resource distribution and providing quality services, particularly in new urban areas [10][12]. Future Directions - Experts suggest that cities should adapt their early childhood education resources to reflect the demographic changes, including merging or closing underutilized kindergartens while enhancing quality in new areas [8][10]. - The article calls for the integration of early childhood education into basic public services, establishing standards for the supply of public and private kindergartens to ensure equitable access to quality education [14].
北京苏州幼儿园数量逆势扩容,千万人口城市抢抓学前教育跃升窗口
21世纪经济报道·2025-05-09 08:55