Ho Chi Minh City to tighten checks on foreign teachers at preschools

The city's Department of Education and Training announced the requirement in a plan for introducing kindergarten children to English at preschools across Ho Chi Minh City in the 2026-27 academic year.

The plan also requires all preschool administrators, teachers, and staff to undergo an English proficiency assessment.

During the first semester of the 2026-27 academic year, the department will conduct a comprehensive survey of the English proficiency of 100 percent of administrators, teachers, and staff at preschool institutions.

Preschools must complete the survey by December 15, submit their first-semester preliminary reports by December 30, and provide their end-of-year reports by May 15, 2027.

Based on the assessment results, the department will compile data on staff members' English proficiency and work with the municipal Department of Home Affairs and teacher-training universities to develop training and professional development programs to improve preschool teachers' foreign language skills.

Administrators, teachers, and staff with English proficiency below Level 3, equivalent to B1, are expected to pursue self-study, using AI platforms or other suitable methods, to reach Level 3 of Vietnam's six-level foreign language proficiency framework.

In addition, the education sector will provide training for key preschool administrators and teachers on classroom coordination, creating English-speaking environments and reinforcing children's daily English practice.

On October 31, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee issued a decision approving a plan to make English a second language in schools during 2026-35, with a vision toward 2045.

Earlier, on September 7, the municipal administration issued an official dispatch on piloting an integrated English education program at preschools.

Under the plan, preschools meeting the required conditions can continue offering English familiarization activities for kindergarten children on a voluntary basis, with parental consent, following the principle of learning through play.

The pilot integrated English program will incorporate English into activities involving mathematics, language and exploration of the world around children.

Schools are encouraged to familiarize children with English through native English-speaking teachers, interactive technology platforms, and project-based learning.