What are Quasi-Public Kindergartens?
Quasi-public kindergartens are private kindergartens that have signed cooperation agreements with the government. The government requires these kindergartens to maintain reasonable fees, guarantee teacher salaries, and maintain a certain teacher-student ratio, among other quality standards. In exchange, the government directly subsidizes the difference in tuition fees each month, significantly reducing parents' out-of-pocket expenses to 3,000-6,000 yuan/month.
The quasi-public mechanism has been implemented since 2018, aiming to bring more private kindergartens into the government's regulatory system and expand the supply of affordable childcare services when there is a shortage of public kindergarten places.
Five Quality Criteria for Quasi-Public Kindergartens
Quasi-public kindergartens contracted with the government must meet the following conditions:
Maximum Fee: Monthly fees must not exceed the government-mandated maximum (varies by county/city, approximately NT$8,000–12,000).
Teacher Salary: Salaries for childcare service staff must be no less than NT$29,000 per month.
Teacher-Student Ratio: One childcare worker per class of no more than 15 children.
Basic Assessment: Passes the government's basic assessment with no major violations.
Information Transparency: Fees must be publicly disclosed; no additional charges may be levied under false pretenses.
Fee and Subsidy Calculation
Actual Parental Out-of-Pocket Payment
| Item | Amount Explanation |
|---|---|
| Quasi-Public Kindergarten Monthly Fee | Approximately NT$8,000–12,000 |
| Government Monthly Subsidy | Difference Subsidy |
| Parental Monthly Out-of-Pocket Payment | Approximately 3,000 to 6,000 yuan |
The actual out-of-pocket expense depends on each kindergarten's fees and the government's subsidy ratio. The government's goal is to keep parents' monthly out-of-pocket expenses within a reasonable range.
Cost Comparison with Other Types of Kindergartens
| Type | Monthly Parental Payment | Estimated Annual Expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Public Kindergarten | 500-1,500 Yuan | 6,000-18,000 Yuan |
| Non-profit Kindergarten | 1,000-2,500 Yuan | 12,000-30,000 Yuan |
| Quasi-Public Kindergarten | 3,000-6,000 Yuan | 36,000-72,000 Yuan |
| General Private Kindergarten | 12,000-25,000 Yuan | 144,000-300,000 Yuan |
💡 Attending a quasi-public kindergarten saves 70,000-230,000 Yuan annually compared to a general private kindergarten, making it the best alternative when public kindergarten places are insufficient.
How to Find and Choose a Quasi-Public Kindergarten?
Inquiry Channels
Ministry of Education National Childcare Information Network (https://ap.ece.moe.edu.tw/): Search for a list of quasi-public kindergartens by county/city/region.
Education Bureau Websites of County/City Governments: Provide a list of local quasi-public kindergartens.
Telephone Inquiry: Call the Ministry of Education's toll-free service hotline 0800-205-105.
Direct Inquiry with the Kindergarten: Confirm with the kindergarten directly at the time of registration whether it is a quasi-public kindergarten.
Important Notes for Choosing a Kindergarten
✅ Confirm that the kindergarten is still under a quasi-public contract for the current year (contracts are renewed every 3 years).
✅ Inquire about the actual monthly fees and whether there are any additional charges.
✅ Visit the kindergarten in person to learn about the curriculum.
✅ Confirm that the teaching staff hold qualified certificates.
⚠️ Note that some kindergartens may charge extra fees under the guise of "talent classes".
Application Process
Parents do not need to apply to the government separately.
The subsidy for quasi-public kindergartens is applied for directly by the kindergarten to the government. Parents only need to:
Select a quasi-public kindergarten and complete the registration.
Sign the enrollment contract.
Pay the monthly deductible amount (after deducting the subsidy).
Parents do not need to apply for the subsidy themselves or prepare additional documents.
Transferring to a Quasi-Public Kindergarten Mid-Term
If the child was originally attending a regular private kindergarten and transfers to a quasi-public kindergarten mid-term:
The subsidy is applicable from the month of transfer.
If the child was previously receiving childcare allowance, the parent must notify the local government to stop receiving it.
The period of previous private kindergarten attendance will not be retroactively covered by the subsidy.
Relationship with Other Subsidies
| Subsidy Item | Can they be received simultaneously? |
|---|---|
| Childcare Allowance | ❌ Not Eligible (Already Receive Tuition Subsidy) |
| Birth Incentives in Various Counties and Cities | ✅ Eligible |
| Infant Care Leave Allowance | ✅ Eligible |
| Living Allowance for Children from Special Circumstances Families | ✅ Eligible |
Important Notes
List Updated Annually: The contract period for quasi-public kindergartens is 3 years, which may be renewed or terminated upon expiration. Please confirm the current year's list before registration.
No Additional Fees Allowed: According to regulations, quasi-public kindergartens are not allowed to charge additional fees under false pretenses. If you are asked to pay unreasonable items such as "talent fees" or "teaching material fees," you can report it to the Education Bureau.
Notes on Transferring Kindergartens: If transferring from a quasi-public kindergarten to a regular private kindergarten, you must reapply for the childcare allowance.
⚠️ The above information is subject to the latest announcements from the Ministry of Education and the Education Bureaus of various counties and cities.