Visa for Americans wanting to study in China

Hi! Pre-covid outbreak, I had planned on coming to China to be an au pair and live with a family in Chongqing for a year, starting in July. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, I have been unable to get a visa and also unable to get any news as to when I will be able to get one. The au pair company that I worked out this agreement with have said that the Chinese government hasn't opened the option for student visas yet (especially to US citizens) and I saw online that visas are only being given to what is considered "key persons" or family members. There are a lot of different sources stating different things and was wondering if there was anything I could do to get my visa faster so I can finally come to China! So I'm wondering if there is any other recent updates about if US citizens are allowed to get student visas (seeing as that is the type of visa the company had told me that I will need to get). If you have any information, I would really really appreciate it! Thank you!!