A child learns to identify grains under the guidance of a volunteer at a kindergarten in Tianjin, north China, on Oct. 14, 2025. Theme events have been carried out across China to mark World Food Day that falls on Oct. 16. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua)

A draft law on childcare services was submitted for first reading to the 19th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress on Monday. 

The draft law comprises eight chapters with 76 articles, covering general provisions, childcare institutions, caregivers, service provision, safeguarding measures, supervision and management, legal liability and supplementary provisions, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Enacting the law on childcare services will promote and regulate the development of childcare services, offering solid legal protection for the most vulnerable group of infants and children under the age of 3 years old, the report said.

This legislation represents a crucial step in improving birth support policies, reducing the cost of family care and enhancing the quality of the population. It holds significant importance for fostering a fertility-friendly society and promoting high-quality population development, according to the report.

The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, which is China's top legislature, will hold its 19th session in Beijing from December 22 to 27.

According to the proposed session agenda, a draft law on childcare services and another on activities and environmental protection in Antarctica will be submitted to the session for the first time, Xinhua News Agency said.

Also on the agenda will be a draft environmental code, a draft law aimed at promoting ethnic unity and progress, a draft law on national development planning, and draft revisions to the foreign trade law, among others, the report said.

Global Times