- Shandong Women’s University launches a unique undergraduate program in infant health
- Program addresses growing need for qualified child care professionals in China
- Interdisciplinary curriculum combines medicine, psychology, education, and management
Shandong Women’s University has introduced one of China’s first undergraduate degree programs in infant development and health management, marking a significant step forward in early childhood education. The program aims to fill the growing gap in professional child care education by training students to support the critical early years of child development through a structured, science based curriculum.
Approved by China’s Ministry of Education in April, this program is one of only two of its kind in the country, the other being at Shaanxi Xueqian Normal University. It reflects a broader national effort to professionalize child care education and respond to rising demand for high quality services for children under the age of three. China has approximately 30 million children in this age group, and over 30% of families with toddlers lack adequate child care support.
Ji Yanhong, program director at the university’s School of Education, emphasized the urgent need for educated professionals in this field. Currently, only 500,000 certified child care workers exist nationwide, with fewer than 10% holding bachelor's degrees. This program addresses that gap by offering a comprehensive curriculum that blends medicine, psychology, education, and management.
Unlike traditional early childhood education, the course includes subjects like infant disease prevention, responsive caregiving, and emergency care, all tailored for children aged 0-3. The program enrolled 40 students in its first year, with strong academic performance among the admitted class.
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Students will receive hands on training through simulated environments, university nurseries, and internships at hospitals and early learning centers. With China investing in public child care infrastructure, graduates are expected to find roles in community centers, early education institutions, and maternal health services.
This education first approach signals a shift toward professional, research backed early childhood care in China.
