China's New Preschool Education Law Introduces Strict Bans for Ineligible Staff

China's newly enacted Preschool Education Law outlines two key bans for individuals in the preschool education sector. The law aims to ensure that only qualified and responsible staff are allowed to work with young children. According to Wang Jingbo, an official with the China Law Society and president of Heilongjiang University, the law establishes strict eligibility criteria and accountability for kindergarten staff.

The law prohibits individuals with criminal records involving abuse, sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, violent conduct, drug use, or gambling from being employed in preschool settings. Additionally, individuals with a history of alcoholism or severe violations of professional ethics, which could endanger the physical or mental well-being of children, are also banned from teaching.

The law goes further by holding staff accountable for engaging in corporal punishment, discrimination, humiliation, or other forms of harmful treatment of children. Kindergarten staff found guilty of such behavior will face legal consequences, and schools are required to take disciplinary actions based on the severity of the offense.

Under this law, individuals who violate these rules will be permanently removed from the teaching profession. This policy aims to ensure that the preschool environment remains secure, nurturing, and free from harm for young children.