Lack of kindergartens hampers China's efforts to spark baby boom

Many couples balk at having more kids despite end of one-child policy

20171222-Kindergarten-Dalian

Low pay is one reason it is so hard for kindergartens in China to find teachers. (Photo by Daisuke Harashima)

DAISUKE HARASHIMA, Nikkei staff writer

DALIAN, China -- A couple of years after China officially ended its decades-old one-child policy, it has hit a snag in effort to increase the birthrate and meet the serious demographic challenges facing the country.

A shortage of public kindergartens and high fees for private preschools are giving many young Chinese couples second thoughts about having a second child. Unless officials can persuade more parents to do so, the country will continue to age rapidly.

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