推行免费学前教育：好马要配好鞍

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of free preschool education in China, highlighting the government's recent policy to gradually introduce this initiative starting from the 2025 autumn semester, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on families and promote a fertility-friendly society [3][5]. Summary by Sections Implementation Plan - The first step towards free preschool education is the exemption of childcare fees for children in public kindergartens for the last year before primary school starting from the 2025 autumn semester [4]. - For children attending approved private kindergartens, the fee exemption will be aligned with the standards of local public kindergartens [4]. Fee Standards and Financial Support - The childcare fee standards will be based on the approved fee structures by local governments and relevant departments, excluding meal, accommodation, and miscellaneous fees [4]. - The financial support will be determined by the average actual fees charged in public kindergartens, with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education setting upper limits for subsidies based on regional conditions [5]. Fiscal Responsibility and Equity - The policy aims to reduce the financial burden on families and incentivize a fertility-friendly environment, but it requires effective implementation and supporting measures [5]. - The article emphasizes the need for equitable public service, suggesting that children in unapproved kindergartens, particularly in rural areas, should also be included in the free preschool education initiative [5]. Addressing Cost Disparities - There are concerns regarding the disparity in costs between public and private kindergartens, which may lead to unequal financial burdens on families [7]. - The article suggests that the subsidy standards should reflect the actual market costs of childcare to ensure fairness and equity in the distribution of financial support [7]. Subsidy Mechanism - The article discusses two potential subsidy mechanisms: direct payments to kindergartens or vouchers for families to use at approved institutions [8]. - Using vouchers could enhance the effectiveness of subsidies by directly linking government support to family experiences, thereby improving the perceived value of public services [8][9]. Conclusion - The implementation of free preschool education is expected to significantly lower the costs of child-rearing for families, contributing to a more supportive environment for childbearing [9]. - The article stresses the importance of not only defining the scope of the initiative but also ensuring its effective execution to maximize its benefits for families [9].