Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

SHENZHEN, in pursuit of a robust childcare support system, is making strides towards ensuring quality early education by expanding childcare enrollment, according to the Shenzhen Municipal Public Hygiene and Health Commission.

The commission hosted a childcare service brand promotion event Saturday, aiming to highlight Shenzhen’s commitment to nurturing its youngest residents.

The main venue at the Shenzhen Book City CBD Store in Futian District hosted nearly 40 childcare service providers and associated firms.

As of June 30, Shenzhen was home to more than 1,000 childcare service providers that had collectively enrolled more than 50,000 children, according to the city’s health authority.

A survey conducted by the National Health Commission indicates a strong demand for reliable and accessible childcare services among city residents. In response, Shenzhen has initiated the development of community-based childcare services.

On May 9, Shenzhen launched its first “public welfare+inclusive” community daycare center in Lianhuabei Community in Lianhua Subdistrict, Futian. This innovative center offers residents within the community access to temporary childcare services.

Occupying 80 square meters, this daycare center can accommodate up to 12 children at a time, with residents paying a modest fee of 30 yuan (US$4) per hour after an initial 10 hours of complimentary care.

So far, more than 60 childcare service locations have been established in communities across the city, according to the health authority. Additionally, Shenzhen is home to 554 family development service centers, 121 of which have the potential to be converted into childcare service locations.

Shenzhen is also working to diversify its childcare offerings. In 2021, the city saw the establishment of Shanyu Nursery, the first inclusive daycare center operated by a public hospital.

To date, 13 medical institutions in Shenzhen have initiated pilot programs for childcare services, according to the health commission.