Group 1 - The core achievement of Yancheng Preschool Teachers College is highlighted by winning 1 gold and 1 bronze medal at the World Skills Competition, along with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 9 bronze medals at the provincial level, and 3 first prizes in international competitions in 2025 [1] - The college emphasizes the integration of competition into education, aiming to enhance teaching and learning through participation in various skill competitions [1][3] - The college's strategic focus includes adapting to societal changes by optimizing its professional layout to meet the demands of the times, particularly in early childhood education and health services [3][4] Group 2 - At the 14th Jiangsu Provincial Teacher Training Basic Skills Competition, students achieved a record high of 5 first prizes, 4 second prizes, and 9 third prizes, showcasing significant improvement in quality [2] - Notable individual achievements include Chen Rong, who ranked first in the province and advanced to the Yangtze River Delta Teacher Training Competition, and Qu Liya, who made history by winning first prize in the elementary education category [2] - The college's international presence is marked by multiple first prizes in competitions related to skills development and innovation, reflecting the effectiveness of its integrated education model [3] Group 3 - The college is actively responding to challenges such as declining birth rates and aging populations by introducing new programs in areas like infant care and smart health management [3][4] - Collaboration with industry leaders like Huawei is aimed at aligning educational offerings with regional economic development needs, particularly in digital economy sectors [4] - The college's commitment to nurturing future talents is evident in its focus on both traditional teacher training and emerging fields, ensuring a well-rounded educational approach [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of declining birth rates on the early childhood education sector in China, particularly focusing on the reduction in the number of kindergartens and qualified teachers [3][4]. Group 1: Changes in Early Childhood Education - The number of full-time kindergarten teachers in China decreased by 241,800 from 2022 to 2024, dropping from 3,244,200 to 2,831,900, marking a total decline of 412,300 over two years [4]. - The total number of kindergartens in China has also seen a continuous decline since 2022, with a reduction of 5,610 kindergartens in 2022 (1.9% decrease) and 14,808 in 2023 (5.12% decrease), resulting in a total loss of 41,569 kindergartens over three years [4]. Group 2: Future Trends and Adjustments - Despite the ongoing decline in birth rates, the rate of decrease is expected to slow down, with a projected increase of 520,000 in the birth population for 2024 compared to 2023, which may stabilize the number of kindergarten teachers and kindergartens in the future [5]. - Several teacher training colleges are adapting to these changes, with institutions like Hengyang Preschool Normal College establishing new departments to align with industry needs, such as setting up a Measurement and Automation Department to support advanced manufacturing [5][6]. Group 3: Institutional Responses - Ningbo Preschool Normal College has reduced its enrollment for five-year and three-year preschool education programs, aiming to eliminate the five-year program within three years and cut the three-year program enrollment by half, while also expanding into related fields like infant care and early education [6][7]. - Hunan Preschool Normal College is focusing on transforming its educational approach by developing new programs that cater to the entire lifecycle of child education and care, emphasizing the integration of digital transformation and industry needs [7].

Group 1 - The number of kindergarten teachers in China has decreased by 241,800 in 2024, marking a continuous decline for two years, from 3,244,200 in 2022 to 2,831,900 in 2024, a reduction of 412,300 teachers [1] - The number of kindergartens in China has also seen a decline, with a total of 289,200 kindergartens in 2022, decreasing by 5,610, a drop of 1.9%, and further declining to 274,400 in 2023, a decrease of 14,808, or 5.12% [1] - The trend of decreasing kindergarten teachers and kindergartens is expected to slow down, as the decline in birth rates is showing signs of easing, with an increase of 520,000 births in 2024 compared to 2023 [2] Group 2 - Several teacher training colleges are accelerating their transformation in response to the declining demand for kindergarten teachers, with institutions like Hengyang Preschool Normal College establishing new departments to align with industry needs [2] - The Hengyang Preschool Normal College has initiated a transformation plan that includes establishing a metrology and automation department, aiming to train high-quality technical talents for the advanced manufacturing industry [3] - Ningbo Preschool Normal College has reduced its enrollment for five-year and three-year preschool education programs, aiming to phase out the former within three years and cut the latter by half, while expanding into related fields such as infant care and early education [3][4]