The demand for kindergartens in China is now outstripping supply, resulting in unlicensed kindergartens opening their doors for business.
In contrast to the recent baby boom in China, pre-school education resources are actually decreasing. According to Reuters, in 2009 there were only 1,266 licensed kindergartens in Beijing—a drop of nearly 60 percent when compared with number back in 1996. This may be due to the gradual removal of kindergartens from work units over the past 14 years.
Substantial fee increases at licensed kindergartens have now become a financial burden for middle and low-income parents, so unlicensed kindergartens came about. In Beijing, there are now over 1,290 more unlicensed kindergartens than licensed kindergartens, according to Voice of China.
Dean of pre-school education at Beijing Normal University, Liu Yan, said unlicensed kindergartens are due to the large number of low-income parents, especially rural migrants.
Liu Yan explained that a rural migrant’s combined family income is typically between 3,000 to 4,000 yuan (US$ 450 – 600) a month, so they can’t afford regular kindergartens, which cost about 2,000 yuan (US$300) a month. Unlicensed kindergartens costs up to six times less (300 yuan, about US$45).
According to Voice of China, a recent survey revealed many kindergartens in Chengdu City have increased their tuition fees since August this year, citing building fees, sponsorship fees and special interest classes.
Many parents surveyed felt overwhelmed by the fee hike, saying that with the high demand for kindergarten placements, it is difficult to get their children enrolled.
Read the original Chinese article.
In contrast to the recent baby boom in China, pre-school education resources are actually decreasing. According to Reuters, in 2009 there were only 1,266 licensed kindergartens in Beijing—a drop of nearly 60 percent when compared with number back in 1996. This may be due to the gradual removal of kindergartens from work units over the past 14 years.
Substantial fee increases at licensed kindergartens have now become a financial burden for middle and low-income parents, so unlicensed kindergartens came about. In Beijing, there are now over 1,290 more unlicensed kindergartens than licensed kindergartens, according to Voice of China.
Dean of pre-school education at Beijing Normal University, Liu Yan, said unlicensed kindergartens are due to the large number of low-income parents, especially rural migrants.
Liu Yan explained that a rural migrant’s combined family income is typically between 3,000 to 4,000 yuan (US$ 450 – 600) a month, so they can’t afford regular kindergartens, which cost about 2,000 yuan (US$300) a month. Unlicensed kindergartens costs up to six times less (300 yuan, about US$45).
According to Voice of China, a recent survey revealed many kindergartens in Chengdu City have increased their tuition fees since August this year, citing building fees, sponsorship fees and special interest classes.
Many parents surveyed felt overwhelmed by the fee hike, saying that with the high demand for kindergarten placements, it is difficult to get their children enrolled.
Read the original Chinese article.
