Ho Chi Minh City to pilot integrated English teaching for preschool children

Ho Chi Minh City will allow eligible public preschools to pilot integrated English education for kindergarten-age children for three years, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

The program will operate voluntarily and requires agreement from parents or caregivers. Schools must publish the curriculum, teaching time, organizational arrangements, fees and related costs before families enroll. The program cannot pursue profit or use the state budget to pay for the service.

The city said the pilot must not interfere with the standard preschool curriculum or disadvantage children who do not take part. The Department of Education and Training will select and assess the programs, materials, participating providers and eligible schools, then publish the approved list. It will work with the Department of Finance to determine costs and fee arrangements.

Separately, Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc ordered officials to tighten administrative discipline and deal strictly with staff who delay procedures, create unnecessary obstacles or demand documents beyond regulations. All applications under the city’s authority must be received and returned through the administrative-procedure information system. The city also plans an electronic process linking land procedures with tax authorities and automatic recording of agencies responsible for overdue files.