Beijing Drafts Law to Standardize and Fund Child-Care Services
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China is advancing legislation to tighten government oversight and financial backing for child-care services, a move aimed at reducing the burden on families in a rapidly aging society.
The Standing Committee of the national legislature, the National People’s Congress, has begun deliberating the draft Child Care Service Law. The bill proposes defining child care as a government-led initiative and incorporating affordable services into the nation’s basic public service system. Public consultation on the draft is open until Jan. 25, 2026.
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- China is drafting a Child Care Service Law to enhance government oversight, funding, and stricter regulations of child-care services.
- In 2023, private institutions made up 89.5% of the market, with average monthly fees at 1,978 yuan; actual utilization was only 46.7%.
- Government subsidies and public investment have expanded, reducing average full-day care prices by 29% and meeting the target of 4.73 child-care spots per 1,000 people in 2025.
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What Happened When
- 2023：
- Private institutions accounted for 89.5% of the market and average monthly child-care fees were 1,978 yuan, with the utilization rate at 46.7%.
- September 2024：
- The government submitted a report to the legislature noting that private institutions accounted for 89.5% of the child-care market in 2023.
- As of Dec. 26, 2025：
- At a press conference, Wang Haidong stated the number of child-care spots per 1,000 people reached 4.73 in 2025, central government allocated 3 billion yuan to support affordable care in 30 cities, and national average prices dropped 29% after local subsidies.
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