China to better regulate nursery management

A nursery worker plays games with a baby. (File photo/China News Service)

(ECNS) - The National Health Commission has rolled out new regulations on the establishment and management of nursery and child care services for children under the age of 3.

Staff members of service providers need to meet certain occupation criteria at national and regional levels such as no record of committing crimes, no history of abusing children, dedication to work and compliance with occupational ethics.

The regulation applies to child care services for families in various forms including full-day, half-day, hour-based and temporary care.

China encourages a market-orientated approach in providing child care services in new and old residential areas through various partnerships with private service providers, said the new rule.

Priority should be given to children’s safety and health at nurseries, which also need to improve management by holding regular meetings with parents and asking for their suggestions in decision-making, it was added. 

To improve security, nurseries also need to install cameras to monitor all living and activity areas for children 24 hours a day, with footage kept for at least 90 days.