By She Yu, Research Department of Social Development, DRC; Hong Xiumin & Zhu Wenting, Beijing Normal University; Shi Yi, China Population Development Studies Center

Research Report, No.211, 2019 (Total 5711) 2019-11-29

Abstract: In order to cater to people’s desire, Shanghai municipal government has, as the first mover, made pilot trials and established a system relating the policies, laws, regulations, standard specifications and service supply for solving the difficulty of child care and has with these efforts achieved some initial progress. The main measures are as follows. One, with the implementation of relevant policies, the government has, through the coordination among various departments, established a relatively sound system of policies, laws and regulations and a working mechanism. Two, by putting safety and quality in the first place, the government has formulated a system of standard specifications for promoting the development of child attendance and care. Three, the government has given play to the major role of families and communities to enhance the health care for newborns and infants and ensured a better parenting service in a scientific manner. Four, the government has established a nursery service supply system which highlights the integration of nursery and kindergarten based on a multiplied model. While in the meantime, there are still some problems to be addressed. Based on the survey findings collected in of Shanghai, this paper has drawn the following enlightenments. One, various governments across the country need to enhance their understanding of the importance of infants’ and newborn child’s care, implement the guidelines issued by the General Office of the State Council on childcare in a timely manner and formulate their tailored and detailed plans. 2. The relevant institutions and mechanisms need to be fleshed out and a sound system of policies, laws and regulations need to be established. 3. A system of standard specifications for child care needs to be founded and promoted in a professional and standardized way. 4. The service supply system needs to be enhanced so as to better meet the diverse needs of the families.

Key words: infant and newborn care, nursery service, policies, laws and regulations, standard specifications