国办：免除公办幼儿园学前1年保教费

Core Viewpoint - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually implement free preschool education, aiming to promote the universal, inclusive, safe, and high-quality development of preschool education [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - From the autumn semester of 2025, the government will waive the care and education fees for children in their final year at public kindergartens [1]. - The fee waiver standard will be based on the approved care and education fee standards set by local governments, excluding food, accommodation, and miscellaneous fees [1]. - Private kindergartens will also have their fees reduced in accordance with the waiver levels of similar public kindergartens, but they can continue to charge families for any amounts exceeding the waiver level [1]. Group 2: Financial Support and Oversight - The opinion encourages provinces to enhance support for economically disadvantaged children, orphans, and children with disabilities, ensuring a safety net for these groups [2]. - Local governments are required to strengthen monitoring and management of funds, ensuring timely and full payment to kindergartens to maintain normal operations and prevent delays in teacher salaries [2]. - Education departments at local levels must enforce regulatory responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of children in kindergartens [2].