BEIJING — Chinese authorities suggested that a good kindergarten dean should keep his or her institution a kindergarten, with play taking precedence over academia, in a guideline released on Dec 22.

The seemingly self-evident requirement comes after widespread concerns that academic competition is the driving force behind the over-education of young kids.

In response, the Education Ministry drafted a guideline stipulating the professional criteria for kindergarten deans that prohibited the teaching of an academic curriculum.

The draft guideline said games should be the principle activity along with at least two hours outdoor play.

Other criteria included the exposure and understanding of domestic and foreign kindergarten practices, and the application of relevant IT developments.

Children in China have long had to live under the shadow of high academic expectations and this trend is showing no signs of abating.

In an attempt to ensure their offspring outperform others in school, parents have encouraged the teaching of higher level subjects and topics.