BEIJING -- China will offer families support and guidance on infant care, according to a guideline on the care of infants under three released by the General Office of the State Council.

The country will guarantee maternity leave and encourage employers to enable employees who are parents of infants to work flexible hours, said the guideline.

The government will support stay-at-home parents in finding employment, providing related information, employment guidance and vocational skill training.

The guideline also called for early child development guidance for families as well as healthcare services for infants provided by the government.

The country will support the development of various types of infant care facilities and will encourage employers to offer infant care services in the workplace.

Measures will be taken to promote infant care facilities in communities, especially in crowded neighborhoods, according to the guideline.

The guideline also noted that China will strengthen supervision over infant care service providers and will require professional qualifications for infant care workers.