从“幼有所育”到“免费教育”的时代跨越

Core Viewpoint - The recent policy on free preschool education in China aims to balance educational equity and fiscal sustainability, starting from the 2025 autumn semester, by eliminating care and education fees for public kindergartens for the last year of preschool [1] Group 1: Policy Implementation - The policy will focus on reducing the financial burden on families by eliminating care fees while retaining flexible expenses like meal and transportation fees [2] - A three-tiered financial responsibility system will be established, with central, provincial, and local governments sharing the fiscal burden, particularly supporting underdeveloped regions [2] - The implementation will be gradual, starting with one year of free education in 2025, with plans to expand to two and then three years based on readiness [2] Group 2: Inclusivity and Equity - The policy emphasizes high-quality inclusivity rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ensuring that support is tailored to regional differences and vulnerable groups [3] - A dynamic adjustment mechanism for subsidies linked to regional financial capabilities will help address disparities in educational access [3] - Special provisions will be made for economically disadvantaged children, orphans, and disabled children, ensuring comprehensive support [3] Group 3: Quality Assurance - The policy aims to ensure that cost reductions do not compromise educational quality by improving teacher salaries and stabilizing the workforce [4] - A robust regulatory framework will be established to oversee the quality of preschool education, with clear responsibilities assigned to local governments [4] - The development of a national preschool education management information system will enhance data management and enable precise governance, ensuring funds are allocated effectively [4]