Vietnam implements preschool education reforms and clarifies teacher seniority rules

Vietnam is implementing a new preschool education program under Decision No. 388/QD-BGDDT, which focuses on child-centered learning through play and practical experience. In Lao Cai province, 15 preschools are participating in the pilot program, involving 13,893 children and 1,310 staff members. The curriculum aims to develop comprehensive abilities and prepare children for future schooling without teaching Grade 1 content prematurely.

Regarding teacher benefits, the Ministry of Education and Training clarified that preschool teachers who transition from private to public institutions can have their previous years of mandatory social insurance contributions counted toward seniority allowances. Under Decree No. 77/2021/ND-CP, teachers with 60 months of mandatory social insurance contributions are eligible for a seniority allowance starting at 5% of their current salary, with an additional 1% added for each subsequent year.