Creating a Childcare-Friendly Environment, Ko Chih-en Proposes 3 Major Directions to Support Educators and Childcare

(CNA, Reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, July 6) To create a childcare-friendly environment, Kuomintang Kaohsiung mayoral candidate and legislator Ko Chih-en today proposed three major policy directions, including improving the childcare complaint and investigation system, implementing inclusive education, and assisting private kindergartens in transformation. She hopes to make Kaohsiung a livable city where the next generation can thrive.

Ko Chih-en met with several representatives from the childcare sector today to exchange views on early childhood education, the rights and interests of childcare providers, the declining birthrate, inclusive education, and early intervention support.

Ko Chih-en stated, "Children must be cared for for parents to dare to have them; teachers must be supported for Kaohsiung to retain the next generation." Kindergartens are the first place children experience group life. The government must not only protect children but also establish a fair and professional system to become the strongest support for parents and educators.

Addressing the challenges faced in childcare settings, she proposed three major directions. First, to improve the childcare complaint and investigation system, balancing children's rights with the protection of childcare providers. Second, to implement inclusive education, with the central and local governments simultaneously investing in special education personnel, early intervention, and professional support resources, rather than placing the entire caregiving responsibility on frontline staff.

Third, to respond to the impact of the declining birthrate by assisting private kindergartens in transformation, promoting regulatory relaxation, and supporting institutions interested in developing long-term care and "youth-elderly co-prosperity," allowing educational resources to continue to function.

Ko Chih-en emphasized that suggestions from the grassroots will be important bases for her to promote central government legislative amendments and local policies. In the future, these will also be incorporated into Kaohsiung's child-rearing-friendly policies, including promoting the "three arrows" of childcare, expanding respite care services, increasing childcare capacity, supporting childcare talent, and improving care for families with special needs, so that every family dares to have children, raise them, and entrust them with peace of mind.

Ko Chih-en stated that whether a city can retain young people depends not only on industries, transportation, or construction, but more importantly, on whether children have a comprehensive childcare support system after birth. Only by ensuring children are well cared for, parents can work with peace of mind, and teachers are respected, can Kaohsiung truly become a livable city where the next generation can thrive. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 0706

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