说起鲁商集团，不仅是商贸流通行业的领军企业，在新商科、医疗康养、职业教育、智能建筑、新技术等专业领域均有丰富的产业优势资源。单看教育板 块，鲁商集团现拥有4所本专科院校和1家连锁化经营的幼教集团。8月22日，鲁商集团召开教育板块"强管控、提质效"专题工作会议，研讨分析集团教育事 业面临的新形势、新情况和新问题，加快推动集团教育板块一体化高质量发展。 齐鲁晚报·齐鲁壹点记者 张頔 教育板块，蓬勃发展 兴办教育是鲁商集团承担社会责任、支撑企业发展的重要依托，近年来，集团深入贯彻落实党的教育方针，突出教育科技人才强劲支撑，教育板块各单位党 的领导全面加强，锚定关键任务推动提档升级，内涵建设持续强化，产教融合持续深化，师资队伍建设不断加强，整体呈现高质量发展的良好态势。 在鲁商集团的教育板块中，山东商业职业技术学院是中国特色高水平高职院校（A档）建设单位、国家优质校、国家示范校，商科优势突出。青岛酒店管理 职业技术学院作为全国第一家独立设置的酒店管理类职业院校，是中国特色高水平高职院校建设单位、首批省特色名校、首批省优质校，酒店管理专业特色 明显。山东城市服务职业学院是首批省技工教育特色名校、国家级高技能人才培训基地 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant decline in the number of kindergartens in China, driven by a decreasing birth rate, leading to a "shutdown wave" in the kindergarten sector. This has prompted educators to explore various survival strategies, including transitioning to other industries such as live streaming and elder care [3][5][19]. Summary by Sections Kindergarten Shutdown and Industry Changes - In 2024, the number of kindergartens in China decreased by 21,100 compared to 2023, marking the most significant decline in recent years [3][19]. - The decline in kindergarten numbers is attributed to a shrinking birth rate, resulting in fewer children to enroll, particularly affecting private kindergartens [3][19]. - Educators are adapting by diversifying into areas like live streaming, e-commerce, and elder care services [3][5][12]. Transition to Elder Care - Some kindergartens are transforming into community elder care centers or inclusive facilities that cater to both children and the elderly [4][16]. - The aging population in China, with 297 million people aged 60 and above, presents a growing demand for elder care services [14][15]. - Initiatives like "elder-child co-care" are being explored, although concerns exist regarding the adequacy of services for both demographics [17][28]. Financial Struggles and Debt - Many educators, like Jing Yazhen, have faced severe financial difficulties, accumulating debts exceeding 20 million yuan due to the operational challenges of kindergartens [11][12]. - The shift to alternative income sources, such as live streaming sales, reflects a broader trend among educators seeking to sustain their livelihoods [12][25]. Statistical Insights - The total number of kindergartens in China is projected to be 253,300 in 2024, down from 274,400 in 2023, with a corresponding drop in enrolled children by approximately 5.09 million [19][24]. - The number of private kindergartens has also seen a significant decline, from 168,000 in 2020 to 135,500 in 2024 [20]. Future Outlook - Experts predict that the kindergarten sector will continue to undergo deep adjustments over the next three years, with a potential increase in market concentration favoring institutions that offer differentiated services [5][28]. - The article emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to address the challenges in early childhood education, advocating for smaller class sizes and improved educational standards [29][30].

Core Insights - The number of kindergartens in China has significantly decreased, with a reduction of 21,100 kindergartens in 2024 compared to 2023, marking the most severe decline in recent years [1][12] - The decline in kindergartens is attributed to a decreasing birth rate, leading to a shrinking student population and directly impacting enrollment [2][12] - The early childhood education sector is undergoing a transformation, with many educators exploring alternative career paths such as live streaming, e-commerce, and transitioning to elder care services [2][5][9] Industry Trends - The early childhood education industry is expected to continue facing deep adjustments over the next three years, with market concentration likely to increase, favoring institutions with differentiated service capabilities [3] - The number of private kindergartens has been on a downward trend since 2020, dropping from 168,000 in 2020 to 135,500 in 2024 [13] - The total number of kindergartens in China is projected to decrease further, with a current total of 253,300 kindergartens and 35.84 million children enrolled, a decrease of 5.09 million from the previous year [12][20] Employment and Workforce Changes - The number of preschool education teachers has also declined, with 283,190 teachers reported in 2024, a drop of over 240,000 from 2023 [18] - Many former educators are transitioning to new roles, reflecting a broader trend of "creative transformations" within the industry [19] Policy and Future Outlook - The Chinese government is focusing on improving early childhood education and elder care services, with plans to enhance infrastructure and service levels by 2025 [10][11] - Experts suggest that the reduction in kindergartens does not equate to a decrease in demand for early childhood education, advocating for smaller, higher-quality educational settings [20][22] - There is a call for better policy support for early childhood education, including the implementation of "small class sizes" and integrated care models to optimize resource allocation [23]