BEIJING — China is expanding efforts to provide high-quality childcare services, shifting its focus from availability to standards that ease family burdens and safeguard children. The initiative affects millions of families nationwide as the government increases fiscal input, refines regulations, and promotes affordable access.
According to official data, the country currently has 126,000 childcare institutions offering 6.66 million spots. The average cost of full-day childcare has fallen by 29 percent, reducing expenses for parents. Authorities say the next stage is to ensure services are not only accessible but also reliable and safe.
Shanghai is working toward full coverage of community-based nurseries to support temporary and hourly care, while Chengdu is promoting standardized operations and building a “smart childcare” brand. Nine provinces have introduced subsidy systems, and more than 1,300 county-level regions have rolled out measures such as construction grants and operational funding.
In December 2025, a draft childcare law was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for its first reading. The proposal sets strict requirements for facility licensing, staff management, monitoring, and emergency response, aiming to address parents’ concerns about safety and oversight.
A policy document from the Communist Party of China outlines plans for 2026–2030, including expanding subsidized childcare trials, supporting public-benefit services, and integrating nursery and childcare programs. The National Health Commission said the country will also train more professionals in the sector and strengthen supervision through cross-departmental coordination.
