免费学前教育背后的财政账本

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of free preschool education policy will begin in the autumn semester of 2025, supported by significant fiscal subsidies from the central government [1][3]. Summary by Relevant Sections Policy Changes - The Ministry of Finance has revised the "Support for Preschool Education Development Fund Management Measures," adding the purpose of "implementing the policy of exempting childcare education fees" [3][4]. - The budget for preschool education development funds will significantly increase, with the central government covering a substantial portion of the costs [1][5]. Financial Implications - The central government's budget for preschool education development funds is set at 25 billion yuan for both 2023 and 2024, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of approximately 20 billion yuan for the upcoming autumn semester [5]. - The implementation of free education is expected to increase central fiscal support for preschool education by about 80% and national fiscal preschool education funding by approximately 13% [5]. Regional Impact - Provinces such as Guangdong, Shandong, and Henan will receive larger benefits from the policy due to their higher number of eligible children and existing financial structures [1][11]. - Guangdong is identified as the primary beneficiary of the exemption policy, with a significant number of children enrolled in preschool and higher childcare fees compared to other regions [13][14]. Family Financial Relief - The exemption of childcare fees is expected to provide substantial financial relief to families, with some parents reporting significant reductions in monthly fees [7][8]. - However, there are concerns that rising fees in public kindergartens may offset the benefits of the free education policy [7][8]. Overall Educational Funding Trends - National fiscal education funding has increased from 862 million yuan in 2013 to 315 billion yuan in 2023, indicating a growing commitment to preschool education [8][10]. - The increase in government funding has outpaced the rise in family contributions, suggesting a shift towards greater public investment in early childhood education [10].