Abstract: The unification of kindergarten and childcare centre is the trend of international preschool education, and it is also the focus of current international preschool education legislation. The dual system of post-war preschool education in Japan caused the separation of schools and kindergartens. Although the attempt to protect education through “Authorized Child Garden”has been tried, the reforms have been difficult and ineffective. China’s legislation of preschool education should draw lessons from Japan, and establish principles of“the unification of kindergarten and childcare centre”in the general part of preschool education law. The principles should be implemented in the scope of the law, management system and preschool education institutions. At the same time, factors such as the regional differences and the differences between preschool education institutions should be taken into consideration, and differences are allowed in the system of running kindergartens and investment systems so as to reflect the diversity and flexibility of kindergartens and other preschool education institutions, leaving room for local legislation and legal interpretation．

Key words: preschool education law; the unification of kindergarten and childcare centre; dual system; management system; authorized child garden