Core Viewpoint - The gradual implementation of free preschool education is a significant welfare measure that impacts countless families and long-term development [1][3]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The State Council has approved measures to gradually promote free preschool education, emphasizing the need for local governments to develop detailed work plans and ensure timely funding allocation [1]. - The Ministry of Education has recognized 301 counties (cities, districts) as areas for the promotion of universal preschool education in 2024, indicating a need for further expansion [4]. - The implementation of the Preschool Education Law on June 1 has provided legal support for the gradual rollout of free preschool education [6]. Group 2: Financial Support and Cost Reduction - The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of raising children, addressing parents' concerns about childbirth costs [3]. - In Shenzhen's Guangming District, a funding model has been established to support public kindergartens with a per-student funding of 31,500 yuan per year and increased subsidies for private kindergartens from 1,333 yuan to 6,500 yuan per student per year [2][3]. - Central government education spending is projected to grow by 5% in 2025, with a 5.9% increase in education spending in the first half of the year, indicating a commitment to enhancing educational resources [7]. Group 3: Collaborative Educational Framework - A recommendation has been made to create a collaborative educational framework that involves government leadership and diverse participation in preschool education [7]. - International experience shows that public funding plays a crucial role in preschool education, with families contributing only about 17% of total funding in OECD countries [7]. - The government is preparing to implement policies such as childcare subsidies and the gradual introduction of free preschool education to improve educational quality and accessibility [7].

Group 1 - The meeting emphasized the importance of disaster prevention and mitigation during the critical flood season, highlighting the need for a strong sense of responsibility and proactive measures to ensure public safety [1] - It was noted that efforts should be made to reduce disaster losses through thorough inspections and risk assessments in key areas and major projects [1] - The meeting called for a scientific and rigorous approach to natural disaster investigation and assessment, aiming to enhance disaster response capabilities and address shortcomings [1] Group 2 - The gradual implementation of free preschool education was identified as a significant initiative affecting many families and long-term development [2] - Local governments are urged to develop detailed work plans and ensure timely and adequate funding for preschool education [2] - The meeting stressed the need for improved infrastructure, better teacher compensation, and enhanced quality of preschool education while ensuring the health and safety of children [2]

Group 1 - The State Council, led by Premier Li Qiang, emphasizes the importance of flood prevention and drought relief during the critical period of "July and August," highlighting the need for a strong sense of responsibility and proactive measures to ensure public safety [1] - The meeting discusses the implementation of the "Interim Measures for Natural Disaster Investigation and Assessment," aiming to enhance disaster response capabilities and ensure timely public communication regarding significant natural disasters [1] - The focus is on reducing disaster losses through thorough inspections of key areas and major projects, as well as ensuring water supply for irrigation and drinking in drought-affected regions [1] Group 2 - The gradual implementation of free preschool education is recognized as a significant initiative affecting many families and long-term development, with a call for local governments to develop detailed work plans and ensure timely funding [2] - The meeting stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluating preschool education costs, ensuring support for economically disadvantaged groups, and improving the quality of preschool education through better infrastructure and teacher compensation [2] - There is a commitment to strengthen supervision and management of preschool education to protect the physical and mental health of children in care [2]

会议指出，要科学严谨、实事求是做好自然灾害调查评估工作，深入总结经验教训，深刻剖析问题短 板，进一步提升防灾减灾救灾能力。对造成重大社会影响的自然灾害要提级调查、挂牌督办，及时回 应公众关切，举一反三抓好整改。 会议指出，逐步推行免费学前教育是涉及千家万户、事关长远发展的重要惠民举措。要指导各地尽快 细化工作方案，按照分担比例安排好补助资金，确保按时足额拨付。要加强动态监测评估，科学核算 办园成本，统筹好公办、民办幼儿园补助政策，做好家庭经济困难儿童、孤儿和残疾儿童等群体政策 衔接和兜底保障。要统筹考虑学龄人口变化、财力状况等因素，坚持保基本保普惠原则，进一步完善 学前教育投入机制，加强基础设施建设，改善幼儿园教师待遇，提升办园质量水平。要加强学前教育 监督管理，严格落实监管责任，规范办园行为，切实守护好在园儿童身心健康。 会议还研究了其他事项。 来源： 央视网 国务院总理李强7月25日主持召开国务院常务会议，听取当前防汛抗旱情况和下一步工作安排汇报， 审议通过《自然灾害调查评估暂行办法》，部署逐步推行免费学前教育有关举措。 会议指出，当前已进入"七下八上"防汛关键期，要以"时时放心不下"的责任感，树牢底线思 ...

要指导各地尽快细化工作方案，按照分担比例安排好补助资金，确保按时足额拨付。要加强动态监 测评估，科学核算办园成本，统筹好公办、民办幼儿园补助政策，做好家庭经济困难儿童、孤儿和 残疾儿童等群体政策衔接和兜底保障。 要统筹考虑学龄人口变化、财力状况等因素，坚持保基本保普惠原则，进一步完善学前教育投入机 制，加强基础设施建设，改善幼儿园教师待遇，提升办园质量水平。 要加强学前教育监督管理，严格落实监管责任，规范办园行为，切实守护好在园儿童身心健康。 据央视新闻，李强主持召开国务院常务会议，部署逐步推行免费学前教育有关举措。 会议指出， 逐步推行免费学前教育是涉及千家万户、事关长远发展的重要惠民举措。 ...

Core Insights - The 2024 National Education Development Statistical Bulletin reveals a decline in the number of kindergartens and enrolled children, indicating a significant reduction in early childhood education resources [1][2][3] Group 1: Kindergarten Statistics - In 2024, there are 253,300 kindergartens in total, with 221,000 being inclusive kindergartens, accounting for 87.26% of the total [1] - The number of enrolled preschool children is 35.84 million, with a gross enrollment rate of 92.00% [1] - Compared to 2023, the number of kindergartens has decreased by over 20,000, and the number of enrolled children has dropped by more than 5 million [1] Group 2: Challenges in Early Childhood Education - The reduction in kindergartens raises concerns about the implementation of "small class sizes" and the integration of childcare services for children under three [1][2] - Despite government intentions to promote "small class sizes," the actual decrease in kindergartens and teachers suggests a lack of policy support [2] - Public kindergartens continue to operate with the same class sizes, while some are being merged or closed, leading to increased distance and costs for families [2] Group 3: Policy Recommendations - There is a need for a comprehensive plan to address the decline in kindergartens and teachers, focusing on improving investment in early childhood education and childcare [3] - The government has proposed gradually implementing free preschool education, which is crucial but should be complemented by scientific planning for "small class sizes" and integrated childcare [3] - It is essential to establish new standards for preschool education and maintain or increase funding to prevent further reductions in early childhood education resources [3]