推动学前教育免费，背后是怎样的意图？

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has officially announced a gradual implementation of free preschool education, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on families and promote early childhood education [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Details - The new policy will exempt families from paying the "care and education fees" associated with preschool education, although costs such as meal fees, accommodation fees, and miscellaneous fees will still apply [2]. - The reform's impact on preschool education fees is expected to be comparable to the second stage of the fee structure in compulsory education, where tuition fees were eliminated but other costs remained [7]. Group 2: Historical Context - The evolution of education fees in China can be categorized into several stages, with the first stage (1986 to late 1990s) involving tuition and various fees, followed by the elimination of tuition in the late 1990s while retaining other fees [4][5]. - The current preschool education fee structure shows that while it is not as comprehensive as the nine-year compulsory education, it is significantly more favorable than the high school stage [9]. Group 3: Broader Implications - The push for free preschool education is part of a larger demographic strategy aimed at increasing birth rates and supporting families with children aged 0 to 6, which includes a yearly subsidy of 3,600 yuan for infants [10]. - The focus on early childhood education indicates a strategic shift towards enhancing population growth rather than solely improving educational quality at higher levels [13].