The government plans to increase its investment in early childhood care by 7.2% next year. This includes completing free education and childcare for ages 3 to 5, improving the teacher-to-child ratio for children aged 0 to 1, and raising compensation for childcare teachers along with increasing fees for children aged 0 to 2.
On September 30, Park Hong-geun, Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, visited the Manri Childcare Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, to observe childcare classes and hold discussions with parents and teachers. The visit aimed to explain the increased investment in early childhood care reflected in next year’s budget and gather feedback on the direction of childcare investments that can be felt on the ground.
According to the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the investment in early childhood care will rise from 9.3 trillion won this year to 10 trillion won next year, an increase of 700 billion won (7.2%).
The government will first complete free education and childcare for ages 3 to 5. Support currently provided for ages 4 to 5 will be expanded to include ages 3 to 5, with the government covering additional costs for after-school programs, early childhood education, and other necessary expenses for childcare.
Efforts to improve the teacher-to-child ratio will also be expanded. The target will be broadened from the current 0-year-old class to include the 0-1 year-old class, reducing the ratio from three children per teacher to two for the 0-year-old class, and from five to four for the 1-year-old class. In addition to covering 80% of the costs for hiring additional teachers, new incentives of 200,000 won per month for the 0-year-old class and 100,000 won for the 1-year-old class will be introduced.
Compensation for childcare teachers will also increase by 10,000 to 20,000 won. Monthly compensation for infant class teachers will rise from 280,000 won to 300,000 won, for preschool teachers from 380,000 won to 400,000 won, and for extended class teachers from 140,000 won to 150,000 won. These allowances, which were frozen from 2023 to 2025, will see increases for the second consecutive year.
Additionally, the fee for childcare for children aged 0 to 2 will increase by 3%. For 0-year-olds, the parental fee will rise from 584,000 won to 602,000 won per month.
During his visit, Minister Park participated in activities with the 3-5 year-old class, including clay and train play, and also observed the 0-2 year-old class. He later held a meeting with 14 participants, including the center's director, teachers, parents, and representatives from childcare-related organizations, to hear about the challenges faced in childcare.
Minister Park emphasized that the childcare system is essential for reducing the life-cycle burdens of young generations related to marriage, childbirth, and parenting, while also addressing issues related to low birth rates and increasing women's participation in the labor market, contributing to sustainable growth.
Participants in the meeting suggested that the government strengthen its responsibility to enhance the quality of childcare services, including providing nutritious meals and creating safe environments, as well as reducing teacher burdens. Minister Park stated that he would continue to strengthen the early childhood care budget and prepare for the integration of childcare and education, ensuring that both childcare centers and kindergartens are improved together.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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