Public kindergartens in Beijing are increasing their sponsor fees considerably, which are now becoming too difficult for many parents to afford, China National Radio reports.

One first class normal kindergarten in Beijing has recently raised their sponsor fee to 18,000 yuan (US$2,658) from 8,000 yuan (US$1,181), the report says. In addition, the kindergarten charges 540 yuan (80 US dollars) for child care per month, let alone various interest classes each of which charges between 500 yuan (US$74) to 600 yuan (US$89). Among such special courses are English classes which are compulsory for all students.

Outside of child care fees, this particular kindergarten also charges a sponsor fee every September, according to the report. The kindergarten attributes the fee increase to its rising operational costs, adding that those who cannot pay the sponsor fee have to quit.

According to the new regulation, it costs a total of 80,000 yuan (US$11,816) for each child to attend kindergarten for three years, including 54,000 yuan (US$8,000) in sponsor fees, plus additional fees for child care and English classes.

Facing such price hikes, parents complain it is too difficult to support their kids to go to kindergarten, while many have been forced to quit.

Parents say they only need a suitable environment for their kids to grow up healthy, and too many luxurious facilities are not necessary. They also call for a reasonable charge on preschool education, says the report.

(CRIENGLISH.com September 13, 2010)