Core Points - The article discusses the challenges faced by parents in Shenzhen, particularly focusing on the case of a parent, Xu Fangyu, who struggled to recover tuition fees after the early education institution, Golden Baby, abruptly closed several branches [1][2][10]. Group 1: Company Operations and Issues - Golden Baby, an early education institution, suddenly closed five stores in Shenzhen, including the flagship store where Xu Fangyu had paid over 20,000 yuan in tuition fees [1][10]. - The company operates over 400 franchise centers across nearly 150 cities in China, with franchisees independently managing their operations [10]. - There have been multiple instances of franchisees closing stores without notice, leading to significant consumer complaints and legal actions [10][12]. Group 2: Parent Experiences and Legal Actions - Xu Fangyu spent 11 months trying to recover 13,000 yuan, despite a court ruling that mandated a refund of over 20,000 yuan [2][36]. - Many parents, like Xu, initially paid large sums for tuition, often exceeding 10,000 yuan, to secure lower per-class costs [9]. - The article highlights the emotional and financial toll on parents, with some choosing to abandon their claims due to the lengthy process and lack of resources [16][19]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The early education sector lacks clear regulatory oversight, particularly for institutions serving children aged 0-3, leading to difficulties in consumer protection [32][35]. - Various government departments have indicated that they do not have jurisdiction over early education institutions, complicating the resolution of consumer disputes [33][34]. - New regulations are being introduced to address issues related to fraudulent business practices, such as the actions of "professional closure operators" [22][23]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - Despite the risks, parents continue to invest in early education due to perceived benefits for their children's socialization and adaptation skills [41][42]. - The decline in birth rates has created operational challenges for early education institutions, leading to increased financial pressure and potential closures [43]. - Parents are increasingly cautious, often opting for smaller tuition packages despite the ongoing risks associated with early education institutions [39].

Group 1 - The new childcare policies in China, including a yearly subsidy of 3600 yuan for families with children aged 0-3 and free education for children in their last year of preschool, are expected to significantly boost consumer confidence and spending in the maternal and infant sector [1][2] - The maternal and infant market in China has reached a scale of 4.2 trillion yuan in 2023, with projections to exceed 5 trillion yuan by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 9.3% [1] - The rising costs of childcare, with average annual expenses for families with children aged 0-6 often exceeding 30,000 yuan, have been a burden, but the new subsidies will alleviate some of these costs, allowing families to invest more in quality consumption [2][3] Group 2 - The unique nature of the maternal and infant market is driven not only by price but also by parents' pursuit of safety and quality, which may lead families to prioritize higher-quality products in areas such as formula, baby food, and diapers [3] - Domestic brands in the maternal and infant sector, such as Feihe and Junlebao, are gaining market share in the premium formula segment, supported by policy subsidies and consumer upgrades, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the domestic maternal and infant industry [3][4] - The maternal and infant consumption sector encompasses a vast industry chain, including food, healthcare, education, and technology, with the potential for "spillover consumption" effects in emerging product categories like smart baby monitors and sleep-assist robots [3][4] Group 3 - The new childcare policies not only provide economic relief but also instill confidence in families, linking the prosperity of maternal and infant consumption to broader economic vitality and consumer upgrades [4] - The anticipated shift in maternal and infant consumption from necessity to enhanced quality reflects a significant transformation in the industry, promising to improve the quality of life for families and bolster societal birth confidence [4]

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].