In a major move to enhance early childhood health, Shenzhen has officially released the revised 2025 edition of the “Evaluation Standards for Health-Promoting Kindergartens” (DB4403/T 110—2025). The updated local standard, jointly developed by the Shenzhen Health Education and Promotion Center, Futian District Health Education Institute, and the School of Public Health at Shenzhen University, was recently approved and implemented by the Shenzhen Municipal Administration for Market Regulation.
This revision is not merely a routine update of the 2020 version—it represents a significant innovation in Shenzhen’s efforts to promote child health, embedding Shenzhen’s unique educational and public health strategies across six key dimensions.
1. Clearer Hygiene Facility Requirements
The revised standards set specific benchmarks for hygiene infrastructure within kindergartens. This includes detailed requirements for the installation and accessibility of handwashing stations, ensuring children can develop strong hygiene habits from an early age. This change reflects Shenzhen’s continued commitment to infection control and health safety in school environments.
2. Defined Health Intervention Protocols
The standard introduces structured intervention procedures for addressing key health issues in both children and staff. This proactive approach ensures that schools are not just reacting to illnesses but are prepared to monitor, prevent, and manage health risks in a timely manner.
3. Weekly Health Education Curriculum
Health literacy is now a core part of the curriculum. Kindergartens are required to incorporate basic health knowledge and skills into weekly lesson plans, helping children understand nutrition, hygiene, safety, and emotional wellness through age-appropriate learning activities.
4. Emphasis on Physical Activity
To promote physical development, the updated regulation requires each kindergarten to implement sports or physical activity programs tailored to children’s age groups. Every child is encouraged to develop at least one sport or motor skill, laying the foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being.
5. Strengthened Mental Health Education
Recognizing the rising importance of emotional health, kindergartens must now appoint a dedicated or part-time mental health education teacher. This supports early intervention and fosters a nurturing environment where children can express emotions, build resilience, and improve social skills.
6. Focus on Healthy Behavior Formation
In alignment with the “Shenzhen Preschool Child Health Literacy” guidelines, the new standard outlines a clear list of essential healthy behaviors that children should develop. These include handwashing before meals, proper posture, balanced eating habits, and respectful communication—all critical for forming lifelong healthy routines.
