Gyeonggi-do to Expand Zero-Year-Old Exclusive Daycare Centers to 370 Locations

Gyeonggi Province will expand the number of daycare centers exclusively for infants aged 0 to 370 by 2026.

Gyeonggi Province will expand the number of 'daycare centers exclusively for 0-year-olds' to 370 by 2026.

The daycare centers exclusively for 0-year-olds are facilities introduced by Gyeonggi Province in 2008 as the first in the nation, reducing the teacher-to-infant ratio from 1:3 to 1:2 (for 0-year-old classes) or from 1:5 to 1:3 (for 1-year-old classes).

Infants up to 18 months old can be admitted. The reduced teacher-to-infant ratio is applied only up to the 1-year-old class, allowing for smoother provision of customized childcare services such as programs tailored to the developmental stages of infants by month and weaning food.

Currently, 313 centers are operating across 28 cities and counties in the province. This year, 22 additional centers will be added. Subsequently, 15 centers in 2024 and 10 centers in 2025 will be designated, totaling 35 new centers, increasing the number of daycare centers exclusively for 0-year-olds to 370 by 2026.

To be designated as a daycare center exclusively for 0-year-olds, facilities must meet requirements such as receiving an A grade in the daycare center evaluation system conducted by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education and maintaining an average enrollment rate of 70% or higher for six months prior to the announcement date.

Facilities providing excellent childcare services are first reviewed by the city or county, then by Gyeonggi Province in the second round, and finally designated by the mayor or county head.

Joo-yeon Ji, Director of the Women's and Family Affairs Bureau of the province, stated, "In this era of ultra-low birth rates, it is necessary to expand facilities that parents can trust. Since daycare centers exclusively for 0-year-olds are specialized facilities unique to Gyeonggi Province reflecting the characteristics of 0-year-olds, we plan to continue expanding them. We will also strengthen the professionalism of teachers to ensure systematic childcare services for the healthy physical and cognitive development of 0-year-olds."