China's top health authority has announced plans to allow for the establishment of childcare facilities in private homes. This move is aimed at encouraging childbirth, particularly as the country recorded negative population growth for the first time last year.
On Wednesday, the Department of Population Monitoring and Family Development of the National Health Commission (NHC) began soliciting public opinions on management measures for home nursery service providers that offer childcare services to children under the age of 3.
According to the draft management measures, home nursery services are established in residential venues and provide childcare services on a daily, half-day, or hourly basis.
The draft management measures for nursery facilities stipulate that each home nursery can provide services for no more than five children aged 3 or below.