Core Viewpoint - The early education market is experiencing rapid growth, but it is also characterized by a mix of quality and questionable practices, leading to concerns among parents about the effectiveness and safety of these services [2][6]. Group 1: Market Characteristics - The early education market is increasingly targeting younger children, with many institutions offering courses specifically for infants aged 0-1 [2]. - High costs are a significant feature of the early education market, with many institutions engaging in excessive marketing practices [2]. - There is a notable concern regarding the actual benefits of various early education products, as many are seen as marketing strategies rather than effective educational tools [2][6]. Group 2: Consumer Risks - Parents face risks such as institutions "running away" after receiving payments, leading to financial losses [3]. - Refund policies are often unfavorable, with many institutions having strict rules that limit the ability to recover fees after a certain number of classes have been attended [3]. - Regulatory measures have been introduced to manage prepayment practices, but enforcement remains weak, allowing for potential exploitation by early education providers [4][5]. Group 3: Industry Standards and Regulation - The low entry barriers for early education institutions raise concerns about the qualifications of staff and the quality of education provided [6]. - There is a lack of clear regulatory oversight, as multiple government departments are involved, leading to gaps in accountability and enforcement [6]. - Experts suggest that the focus should be on clarifying the nature of early education institutions and establishing clear regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and safety [6]. Group 4: Parental Guidance - Experts emphasize the importance of high-quality parental involvement over commercial early education products [7]. - Parents are advised to be cautious of exaggerated claims made by early education providers and to critically assess the scientific basis of their offerings [7]. - The selection criteria for early education services should prioritize alignment with children's developmental needs and promote positive parent-child interactions [7].