Updated: 02/10/06 The development goals of Pre-school Education To increase the quality of care and education for children

under the age of 6 for their all-round development in physical fitness, sentiment, intellect, and aesthetic sense. To expand the system of crches and kindergartens in every populated area, especially in rural and difficult areas. To strengthen the activities disseminating knowledge and advising childrens care and education for families. By the year of 2010, almost all children should receive care and education in various forms. The ratio of children in the age group up to 3 years who will attend crches is expected to increase from 12% in the year 2000 to 15% by 2005 and to 18% by 2010. For the children in the age group of 3-5 years, the kindergarten attendance is expected to increase from 50% in 2000 to 58% by 2005 and to 67% by 2010. Especially, 5 year-old children should be encouraged to attend kindergarten to prepare for their first year of primary education with an expectation of increasing from 81% of the age cohort in 2000 to 85% by 2005 and 95% by 2010. The ratio of children suffering from malnutrition in preschools is expected to decrease to less than 20% by 2005 and to less than 15% by 2010.