免费学前教育今秋惠及1200万儿童，中央财政资金已到位

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of free preschool education in China is a significant milestone aimed at addressing public needs, improving living standards, and promoting balanced population development, starting from the fall semester of 2025 [1][4]. Policy Implementation - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually implement free preschool education, which will exempt public kindergartens from charging care and education fees for children in their final year of preschool [1][4]. - The policy is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the upcoming fall semester [4][5]. Financial Support and Structure - The financial burden of the policy will be shared between central and local governments, with the central government covering 80%, 60%, and 50% of the costs in western, central, and eastern regions, respectively [4][5]. - The total national fiscal expenditure for preschool education has increased from 86.2 billion yuan in 2013 to 315 billion yuan in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 13.8% [8]. Future Considerations - The policy aims to reduce the economic burden on families, with potential future expansions to include earlier preschool years and high school education [6][10]. - The government is also considering the integration of existing local policies that exceed the national standards, allowing for tailored implementations based on regional needs [7][9]. Broader Context of Support Policies - The free preschool education initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the fertility support system in China, which includes various measures such as childcare subsidies and improved public services [10][11]. - The establishment of a comprehensive support system for marriage, childbirth, upbringing, and education is recommended to alleviate the financial burdens on families [12].