免费学前教育迈出第一步，意味着什么（读者点题·共同关注）

Core Viewpoint - The recent implementation of free preschool education and child-rearing subsidies reflects the government's commitment to alleviating the financial burden of raising children, particularly for low-income families and those in rural areas, thereby promoting educational equity and supporting population growth [1][3][5]. Policy Implementation - The free preschool education policy now covers all kindergarten classes, benefiting approximately 12 million children [2]. - The financial impact of this policy is significant, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the current semester alone [3]. Financial Data - National fiscal expenditure on preschool education has increased from 86.2 billion yuan in 2013 to 315 billion yuan in 2023, representing an average annual growth rate of 13.8% [3]. - The gross enrollment rate for preschool education reached 92% in 2024, a 20 percentage point increase from 2013, aligning with the average level of high-income countries [3]. Future Considerations - The successful implementation of free preschool education requires careful planning regarding future birth rates, the demand for kindergarten spaces, and the economic capacity to sustain such policies [4]. - The series of supportive policies, including extended parental leave and increased childcare services, are interconnected and aim to create a favorable environment for child-rearing [4][5].