新华社权威速览｜问&答，带你了解免费学前教育政策

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is gradually implementing a free preschool education policy, which is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children in the upcoming autumn semester, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education for societal stability and future development [1][3]. Policy Principles - The policy is based on principles of universal accessibility and inclusivity, covering all kindergarten children in the final year, including both public and private institutions, as well as urban and rural areas [6]. - The government aims to ensure a sustainable and orderly implementation of the policy, starting with the final year of kindergarten, while increasing government investment [3][4]. Financial Implications - The implementation of the policy will result in an increase in national fiscal expenditure of approximately 20 billion yuan for this autumn semester, which will correspondingly reduce family expenditures by the same amount [4]. - The funding for the free education policy will be shared between central and local governments, with the central government covering a significant portion and providing additional support to central and western regions [4][12]. Implementation Standards - The free education policy will be executed according to the existing fee standards set by local authorities for public kindergartens, with full exemptions for the fees previously charged [8]. - For children attending approved private kindergartens, the fee reductions will be aligned with the exemption levels of similar public kindergartens in the area [8]. Policy Enforcement - The Ministry of Finance will expedite the allocation of central subsidy funds and guide local governments in formulating detailed implementation measures [10]. - Regular evaluations of the policy's implementation will be conducted to adjust the financial support standards as necessary, ensuring the normal operation of kindergartens [12].