人口发展战略迎来关键落子！国办部署逐步推行免费学前教育，今年惠及约1200万人

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has introduced significant policies aimed at promoting high-quality population development, including the implementation of free preschool education starting from the autumn semester of 2025, which is seen as a milestone in the history of preschool education in China [2][7]. Policy Implementation - The policy will exempt public kindergarten tuition fees for the last year of preschool education, and private kindergartens will also reduce fees based on the public kindergarten standards, benefiting approximately 12 million children [3][4]. - The financial burden on families is expected to decrease significantly, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of around 20 billion yuan for the upcoming autumn semester, which will correspondingly reduce family expenses by the same amount [5]. Financial Support and Management - The central government has allocated sufficient funds to cover the costs associated with the exemption of preschool education fees, with a funding distribution model that varies by region (80% for the western region, 60% for the central region, and 50% for the eastern region) [4][5]. - The policy emphasizes the importance of timely and adequate funding to ensure the normal operation of kindergartens and the timely payment of teachers' salaries [5]. Broader Context and Implications - The recent policies reflect a comprehensive approach to reducing the costs of childbirth, upbringing, and education, which are interconnected and aim to create a more favorable environment for population growth [7][8]. - The government is also focusing on enhancing the quality and equity of education, particularly in preschool and special education, as part of a broader strategy to address long-term population challenges [8].