Shanghai unveils measures to enhance early education

Shanghai will strive to equip every sub-district and town with at least one childcare center that is accessible and affordable for all kids aged 3 and under within three years, Chen Qun, the city's vice-mayor, said on Friday.

Chen also pointed out that the city's gross enrollment rate for kindergartens has reached 97 percent, achieving the national target - 85 percent by 2020 - ahead of schedule. The situation will be further improved in the next three years to ensure that 99 percent of local children receive preschool education.

Meanwhile, the scale of enrollment for university students majoring in preschool education in the city will be further expanded. The aim is to enroll more than 3,000 of these students every year.

The city also expects more than 80 percent of full-time kindergarten teachers to receive undergraduate education, which would in turn enhance the quality of education.

Furthermore, the government will strive to ensure that every kindergarten would have at least one senior teacher, and that the number of the intermediate and senior educators account for at least 28 percent of the staff.