国办：从2025年秋季学期起，免除公办幼儿园学前一年在园儿童保育教育费

Core Viewpoint - The State Council has issued opinions on gradually implementing free preschool education, aiming to alleviate educational costs and improve public education services starting from the autumn semester of 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Implementation of Free Preschool Education - From the autumn semester of 2025, public kindergartens will waive the care education fees for children in their final year [2][3]. - Private kindergartens approved by the education department will also have their fees reduced in accordance with the standards of local public kindergartens [2][3]. - The policy will consider factors such as changes in school-age population and financial capacity for future adjustments [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Support Mechanism - The government will provide financial subsidies to kindergartens affected by the fee waivers, based on the number of children and actual fee levels [3][4]. - The central government will share the financial burden with local governments, with varying support levels based on specific criteria [4]. - Each province will be responsible for monitoring the actual fee levels and costs of public kindergartens to ensure proper funding distribution [3][4]. Group 3: Support for Vulnerable Groups - The policy encourages provinces to enhance support for economically disadvantaged children, orphans, and disabled children, ensuring a safety net for these groups [5][6]. - Central financial support will be adjusted based on the effectiveness of local assistance programs [5][6]. Group 4: Operational Requirements - Provinces are required to establish clear implementation plans and financial support standards for both public and private kindergartens [7][8]. - Local education departments must manage enrollment data accurately and ensure proper training for staff involved in the subsidy process [8]. - A robust communication strategy is necessary to promote the new policy and address public concerns [8].