Education Minister Yuan Guiren accepts interview on Saturday in Beijing before the opening of the Fourth Plenary of the 12th National People's Congress. [Photo/CFP]

Education Minister Yuan Guiren

Preschool education will be both expanded and improved against the backdrop of China's new two-child policy, Yuan Guiren, the Education Minister, said on Saturday in Beijing before the opening of the Fourth Plenary of the 12th National People's Congress.

The need for early childhood education will only increase as the policy is implemented, he said, adding that the progress made developing preschool education in recent years will be built upon to meet people's expectations.

"Our estimates shows that 3 million more children will be born each year, meaning there will be 9 million children seeking preschool education within three years," said Yuan.

"This poses great challenges for us, so we will pay much attention to the situation and try to deal with it properly."

Sound plans for the development of preschool education will be made to ensure adequate provision of related institutions, particularly in the course of modern urbanization, the minister said.

The ministry will accelerate the development of different kinds of kindergartens, both public and private, while some eligible elementary schools will be allowed to run preschool classes.

Yuan said there would be a renewed focus on training preschool teachers, nurturing such talents and encouraging college graduates to enter the profession.

He also said the ministry was working on solutions for students living in areas, such as deserts, forests and mountainous regions, where natural conditions make it difficult to attend school.

"Above all, we will strengthen the regulation of kindergartens to ensure the safety of children, and improve the overall quality of education," said Yuan.

Reporter Luo Wangshu, Zheng Jinran and Zhao Xinying