285 preschool facilities in TP HCM at risk of closure

Preschool groups and classes with fewer than 7 children must convert or close, as this model will be eliminated from mid-August under new Ministry of Education regulations.

Ms. Luong Thi Hong Diep, head of the preschool department at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, shared this information at a conference to review and implement new academic year tasks for the preschool level on the afternoon of 5/8.

The city currently has over 5,100 preschool education facilities and more than 24,000 independent daycare groups and kindergarten classes, caring for over 526,000 children.

Among these, 285 groups and classes have fewer than 7 children. According to the Ministry of Education and Training's preschool charter, effective from 15/8, this type of facility will no longer exist.

Ms. Diep stated that these groups and classes fall under the management of communes and wards. They are not integrated into the sector's data, which complicates management and poses potential safety risks for children. Communes and wards must review and guide these groups to convert their model to comply with the new regulations or face closure.

Independent preschool facilities are established by local communities or investors, ensuring adequate facilities and operating conditions. These groups and classes are often located near apartment buildings or industrial zones. They accept a maximum of 7 children, from 6 months to 6 years old, and teach the preschool curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education and Training.