What is a quasi-publicized childcare subsidy?
The quasi-public childcare subsidy is an important part of the government’s “0-6 year old national care together” policy. When parents send their children under 3 years old to a quasi-publicized childcare center or quasi-publicized home nanny contracted with the government, the government directly subsidizes the difference in childcare costs per month.
The quasi-publicization mechanism originated in 2018, when the government signed a cooperation contract with private childcare centers and qualified home nannies that meet quality conditions, requiring them to charge no more than a certain limit, maintain the teacher-to-student ratio, and protect the salaries of education and care personnel. Parents who choose these agencies or nannies can enjoy direct government subsidies.
Quasi-public vs public vs private: a table to understand
| Category | Operation Mode | Monthly Fee (Parent Payment) | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publicized Childcare Centers | Government directly operated or commissioned | About 3,000~5,000 yuan | Few, required by lottery |
| ** Quasi-publicized** childcare center | Private contract contract | About 8,000 ~ 10,000 yuan | More |
| ** Quasi-publicized** home nanny | Individual contract contract | About 9,000 ~ 11,000 yuan | More |
| General Private Childcare Centers | Uncontracted Private | About $18,000~$25,000 | More |
Who can apply?
Basic Qualifications
- Child Age: 2 months to under 3 years (36 months)
- Send-off target: Children must be sent to a quasi-publicized childcare center contracted with the government or a qualified home-based babysitter
- Household Registration Requirements: The child has a household registration in the Republic of China
- Not receiving child care allowance: Choose between child care subsidy and child care allowance
No income limit required
Like the childcare allowance, since August 2022, the childcare subsidy has removed the wealth-dispensing clause and can be applied for regardless of family income.
Common situational judgments
| Situation | Can I apply for custody subsidy? |
|---|---|
| Send to publicized childcare center, parents are working | ✅Can |
| Send quasi-public home nanny, mother full-time care | ⚠️ Subject to county regulations |
| Free general private childcare center (not signed) | ❌ Not applicable, change childcare allowance |
| Cared for by a relative (within third degree) nanny | ⚠️ Conditional restrictions |
| Send public baby care centers | ❌Publicization costs are low, there is another subsidy mechanism |
💡 Relative Nanny Note: Third-class intrakinship relatives serve as home nannies, even if the addition of quasi-publicization, the subsidy amount will be reduced, and the regulations of each county are different, it is recommended to contact the public office for confirmation.
How is the amount calculated?
Table of subsidy amounts
| Delivery Type | Monthly Subsidy Limit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quasi-Publicized Child Care Centers | $8,500 | Government Directly Allocated to Institutions |
| Quasi-Public Home Nanny | $8,500 | Government Directly Allocated to Nanny |
| Third-class intrakinship nannies (quasi-public) | $3,000~$5,000 | Amount according to county regulations |
Sample trial calculation
| Situation | Currenting Monthly Fee | Government Subsidy | Parents Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| quasi-public childcare center, monthly fee $18,000 | $18,000 | $8,500 | $9,500 |
| Pre-public home nanny, monthly fee $20,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | $11,500 |
| Publicized Child Care Center, monthly fee $5,000 | $5,000 | Not applicable | $5,000 |
| General private childcare center, monthly fee $22,000 | $22,000 | 0 (replacement childcare allowance $5,000) | $17,000 |
💡 The subsidy is allocated directly by the government** to the childcare agency or nanny**. Parents only need to pay the difference after deducting the subsidy.
Second child and above?
Some counties offer local bonuses for more than the second child, but the central policy currently does not have a premium for the number of births. It is recommended to inquire whether the county government of household registration has additional subsidies.
Application Process
First application
Confirm that the childcare agency has signed a contract: Go to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Quasi-Publicized Childcare Service Information Platform" or contact the place of residence to inquire whether the childcare center or nanny has joined the quasi-publicized.
Contract with a childcare agency: Parents sign a custody contract with a childcare center or home-based nanny.
Prepare documents:
- Children's account book or household register
- Parent ID
- Copy of custody deed
- A copy of the applicant's passbook cover
Make an application:
- To the public office where the child’s household registration is located
- In some counties, the agency is assisted by a childcare agency or nanny
Audit and Appropriation:
- Upon approval by the public office, the subsidy is allocated directly to the custodial institution/nanny
- Parents only need to pay the difference after deducting the subsidy monthly
Change nanny or organization midway
To replace the childcare institution or nanny, the change must be declared to the public office and confirmed that the new childcare resources have also been added to quasi-publicization. Non-declaration will affect subsidy allocation.
How to query the list of quasi-publicized institutions?
- Official website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Department of Social Families: National Quasi-Public Childcare Services Inquiry System
- County County Social Bureau Website: Provides list of local quasi-publicization
- Phone Inquiries: Dial the social bureau of each county or township or city office
- 1957 Welfare Counseling Hotline: A free welfare counseling service provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare
Relationship with other subsidies
| Subsidy items | Can they be claimed at the same time? |
|---|---|
| Parenting Allowance | ❌Choose One |
| County Counties Fertility Incentives | ✅Can |
| Parenting Stay Allowance | ✅Can |
| Special Situation Families Children's Living Allowance | ✅Can |
Precautions
- Subsidy is capped: Even if custody costs are high, the amount of the subsidy will not exceed the prescribed limit
- Nanny must hold a certificate: Quasi-public home nannies must hold a "Certificate of Registration for Home-based Childcare Services"
- Amount may be adjusted annually: subject to the annual announcement of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Department of Social Family
- Bridging after the age of 3: After the child reaches the age of 3, he or she can change to a public or quasi-public kindergarten and enjoy the kindergarten tuition subsidy
⚠️ The above information is subject to the latest announcement of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the amount and conditions may be adjusted annually.