The problem: an investor wants to open a private preschool — how many square meters, what classroom standards? Quick answer: establishment conditions for private preschools sit in Decree 46/2017/ND-CP, in four groups: land area — facilities — staffing — finance. Missing any group fails the appraisal.
Land area and location
Preschools need pedagogically sound, child-safe locations: construction land area is set by the number of toddler/kindergarten groups at prescribed minimum per-child averages under preschool facility standards. Sites must not sit near pollution or hazards (fuel depots, toxic industrial zones, dangerous roads) — the most common real-world appraisal failure.
Facilities: classrooms, playgrounds, kitchens
- Care and education rooms: standard-compliant area, lighting, ventilation; age-appropriate, safe, non-toxic equipment and toys.
- Playgrounds, activity areas: outdoor playgrounds, greenery, shade; safe play equipment inspected periodically.
- Kitchens: boarding meal services need food-safety-compliant kitchens with three-step inspection, food sample retention as prescribed.
- Ancillary works: child-sized toilets, medical/first-aid rooms, fire protection, CCTV in common areas (mind personal-data rules under Decree 356/2025).
Preschool teachers
Preschool teachers must meet training standards under the Education Law and the Teachers Law 73/2025/QH15 (effective 1 January 2026), with moral character and health fit for young children. Teacher–child ratios must meet norms — understaffing is a common inspection finding and penalty trigger.
Procedure: two steps
Step 1: establishment approval filing (dossier, land/facility papers, financial plan, staffing). Step 2: after the establishment decision and completed conditions, education operation licensing — enrollment only after licensing. Practical tip: finish facilities before filing step 2; don’t “file first, fix later.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much land for a private preschool?
Land area follows the number of groups at prescribed minimum per-child averages; locations must be pedagogically sound, safe, and away from pollution and hazards.
2. What is the establishment procedure?
Two steps: (1) establishment approval with dossier, land papers, financial plan, staffing; (2) operation licensing after conditions are completed — enrollment only then.
3. What qualifications do preschool teachers need?
Training standards under the Education Law and Teachers Law 73/2025/QH15 (effective 1 January 2026), moral character, and health fit for young children.
4. Kitchen requirements for boarding preschools?
Food-safety compliance: three-step inspection, food sample retention, staff health certificates as prescribed.
5. Can enrollment start before licensing?
No. Enrollment and childcare/education activities require the operation license first. Pre-license enrollment is unlicensed operation.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council.