Law better ensuring children's safety to take effect next year

China has introduced its first Preschool Education Law, focusing on elevating the quality of preschool educators and protecting children's safety and rights, officials and experts said on Monday. The new law will come into effect on Children's Day next year.

The new law stipulates clear qualification requirements for those working in early childhood education, including teachers, principals, childcare workers and child healthcare personnel, to ensure the safety and well-being of young children, said Zhang Wenbin, head of the Ministry of Education's department of policies and regulations.

To address staffing needs, the law mandates that kindergartens must ensure an adequate number of qualified teachers and support staff, Zhang said.

It requires schools to file all employment records with local education authorities, conduct background checks and perform health screenings.

"Individuals who pose potential risks to children's safety are prohibited from employment in early childhood education," Zhang said.

The legislation also emphasizes safeguarding educators' welfare, stating that preschools and their operators are responsible for ensuring the provision of fair wages and benefits for their employees.

The salaries of teachers in public kindergartens should be included in the government's fiscal planning, according to the law that will take effect on June 1, which is Children's Day next year.

Wang Jingbo, an official with the China Law Society and president of Heilongjiang University, said the law defines two types of professional bans for individuals in the preschool education sector, including those with criminal records and a history of alcoholism.

It prohibits employment of people with criminal records related to abuse, sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, violent conduct, drug use and gambling, as well as those with a history of alcoholism or severe violations of professional ethics that could endanger children's physical or mental well-being, she said.

Individuals found to meet the conditions for professional bans will be permanently removed from the teaching profession, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for young children, according to the law.

Furthermore, the law imposes disciplinary measures on kindergarten staff members who engage in corporal punishment, discrimination, humiliation or other harmful treatment of children.

"Schools or relevant departments are required to take appropriate disciplinary action based on the severity of the offense," Wang said.

Kindergartens or educational authorities that detect such misconduct are instructed to respond according to established regulations, she added.

"A key highlight of the new law is its focus on safeguarding preschool children's rights," Wang said, adding that there is a chapter of the law dedicated entirely to preschool children's rights.

Provisions throughout the law, such as requirements for teachers to care for children and guidelines on creating a safe environment, underscore the focus on children's rights.

"For example, Article 50 mandates kindergartens to combine education and care, accommodate individual differences and promote healthy development," she said.

The law also prohibits organizing commercial or competitive activities that hinder early childhood development, Wang said.

Tian Zuyin, head of the ministry's department of basic education, said China will emphasize stringent qualifications for preschool teachers, reinforcing entrance requirements and providing robust professional development.

New regulations demand zero tolerance for unethical behavior, setting high standards for teacher conduct, compensation and career advancement.

"Efforts will focus on improving the quality of preschool teacher training, cultivating a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals," Tian said.

Meanwhile, preschool establishment criteria will be more stringent, ensuring kindergartens operate with the proper credentials to meet safety and educational standards, he said.