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The spokesman pointed out that among other conditions, NPM KGs applying for subsidy will be required to meet the Government's requirements, produce audited accounts and pay their teachers according to the new harmonised scales.
The same criteria will apply to profit-making kindergartens (PM KGs), which may also apply for the subsidy provided, in addition, that they initiate action to convert to NPM status.
"PM KGs may apply for the subsidy for a transitional period of three years if they wish to convert to NPM KGs," the spokesman said.
"In order to be eligible for the subsidy for the second or subsequent year, PM KGs will have to show that substantive progress has been made in their conversion work in the preceding year to the satisfaction of the Director of Education.
"Conversion to NPM KGs is being encouraged in order to prevent the abrupt closure of those PM KGs operating at marginal profit thereby affecting the supply of kindergarten places."
The spokesman noted that the subsidy scheme would meet most of the cost increases on the part of kindergartens as a result of introducing the harmonised pay scales.
"However, we estimate that under the subsidy scheme, there will still be an average increase in school fees of about $20 per month which has to be shouldered by parents," the spokesman said.
The endorsed harmonised pay scales set the entry qualifications for Child Care Workers and Qualified Kindergarten Teachers at Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination with two passes, introduce a training rank and align the training period for both Child Care Workers and Qualified Kindergarten Teachers to about 360 hours in two years.
The harmonised pay scales are as follows: