Despite the recent loosening of the ‘One-Child Policy,’ many couples in Shanghai are still reluctant to have a second baby, due to a high workload and lack of childcare services. However, this may change with the release of new regulations to tighten the running of nursery facilities in Shanghai, according to Kankanews.
One week before their release, these new regulations were hinted at by Lu Jing, director of Shanghai Education Commission. “Babies under the age of three are the most fragile part of a society, that’s why we have exerted ourselves to provide the necessary protection and services,” Lu told Shine. The new regulation is a collaboration between 16 government departments and is the first in the country to set boundaries for childcare facilities.
Image via Netease
The regulation encourages all social forces to participate in the establishment of new childcare institutions. Densely populated areas, including large residential communities and office regions, can submit applications. The institutions should be away from loud and polluted locations such as gas stations, hospitals and highways.
According to the regulation, any new institutions should occupy an area of at least 200 square meters. In addition, each nursery is required to contain specific spaces such as a living area, clinic, disinfection rooms and kitchen.
All staff employed at the childcare institutions are required to have the appropriate certificates and qualifications. Furthermore, they must receive specific training every year, and the ratio between staff and children must be maintained at 1:3.
Image via Sina
The child abuse cases from last year have certainly shadowed domestic nursing institutions. “To win people’s trust back, we will reinforce the regulations to secure the safety and health of the children,” confirms Lu. Surveillance cameras must monitor specific areas of the facility (i.e. entrance and living areas), with the footage stored for 30 days.
There are also mechanisms and contingencies upon dining and healthcare. Regular and random inspections will be undertaken to review the management of the institutions.
Despite these new, reassuring regulations on nurseries, parents should still maintain their diligence and continually check on the safety of their child. But at least for now, it seems these new regulations are moving the childcare industry into a safer direction.
[Title Image via Sohu]
