Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is gradually implementing free preschool education policies, marking a significant transition from "basic popularization" to "high-quality and inclusive" education, with over 90% gross enrollment rate achieved in preschool education [1][2] Group 1: Policy Implementation - The key points for the gradual implementation of free preschool education include strengthening universal access, with coverage expected to reach approximately 12 million children by the fall semester of 2025 [2] - The approach emphasizes a steady and orderly progression, ensuring sustainability while continuously researching and improving policy measures [2] - Increased government investment is aimed at reducing family education expenses through a "plus" in government funding [2] - Financial support will be precisely allocated, with funding shared between central and local governments [2] Group 2: Educational Impact - Preschool education is viewed as the "first button" of the national education system, serving as a barometer for public welfare and a catalyst for population quality [2] - The move towards free preschool education is not merely an expansion of educational benefits but aligns with the strategy of becoming an education powerhouse and addresses public expectations for affordable and quality upbringing [2] - The core value lies in transforming educational equity into a driving force for demographic quality dividends through institutional breakthroughs [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news is the introduction of a gradual implementation of free preschool education policy starting from the autumn semester of 2025, which will exempt public kindergarten senior class children from care education fees and provide corresponding reductions for private kindergarten children [1][2] - The policy is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children in the upcoming autumn semester [1][2] - The financial support for the policy will be jointly borne by central and local finances, with the central government covering 80%, 60%, and 50% of the costs for western, central, and eastern regions respectively [2] Group 2 - The Ministry of Finance has already allocated the necessary funds for the central government's share of the care education fee subsidies, which will be distributed soon [2] - The policy aims to reduce the financial burden on families regarding childbirth, upbringing, and education costs, as part of a broader initiative to create a family-friendly society [3]

8月7日，在国新办举行的国务院政策例行吹风会上，财政部副部长郭婷婷表示，国家统一实施的免保育 教育费政策覆盖所有幼儿园的大班儿童，预计今年秋季学期将惠及约1200万人。同时，后续还将统筹考 虑学龄人口变化、财力状况等因素，研究适时完善免费政策。免费学前教育逐步推行。 郭婷婷在会上介绍，国家统一实施的免保育教育费政策覆盖所有幼儿园的大班儿童，预计今年秋季学期 将惠及约1200万人。同时，鼓励各省结合实际巩固落实家庭经济困难儿童等群体的资助政策，做好兜底 保障。 郭婷婷还介绍，逐步推行免费学前教育是以政府投入的"加法"，来实现家庭教育支出的"减法"。保育教 育费占家庭学前教育总支出的比重比较高，免除费用后，家庭的教育支出将有效降低。经测算，仅今年 秋季一个学期，全国财政将增加支出大约200亿元，相应减少家庭支出200亿元。 关于中央与地方分担免保育教育费财政补助资金情况，财政部科教和文化司司长许留庆表示，国务院办 公厅印发的《关于逐步推行免费学前教育的意见》明确，对因免保育教育费导致幼儿园收入减少的部 分，由财政对幼儿园予以补助，所需资金由中央财政和地方财政共同承担。其中，中央财政对西部、中 部和东部地区分别按照 ...

Group 1: Policy Overview - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually implement free preschool education, starting from the fall semester of 2025, which will exempt public kindergartens from charging care and education fees for children in their last year before primary school [1][3] - This initiative is seen as a milestone in the development of preschool education in China, aimed at addressing public needs, improving living standards, and promoting balanced population development [1][2] Group 2: Financial Implications - The policy is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the upcoming fall semester, which will correspondingly reduce family education expenses by the same amount [3][4] - The financial burden due to the exemption of care fees will be shared between central and local governments, with specific funding ratios based on regional economic conditions [3][4] Group 3: Implementation and Future Considerations - The Ministry of Finance has allocated sufficient funds for the implementation of the policy, ensuring timely distribution to kindergartens [4][8] - Future considerations include the potential extension of free education policies to earlier preschool years and high school, depending on economic and demographic factors [4][7] Group 4: Supportive Measures - The establishment of a comprehensive support system for childbirth and child-rearing is emphasized, which includes financial, service, and cultural support to create a favorable environment for families [2][10] - The government aims to create a multi-dimensional support framework that includes economic assistance, public services, and measures to alleviate the burden on families with multiple children [11]

Group 1: Policy Overview - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually implement free preschool education, starting from the autumn semester of 2025, which will exempt public kindergartens from charging care education fees for children in their last year before primary school [2][5] - This initiative is seen as a milestone in the development of preschool education in China, aimed at addressing public needs, improving living standards, and promoting balanced population development [2][3] Group 2: Financial Implications - The policy is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the upcoming autumn semester, which will correspondingly reduce family education expenses by the same amount [5][6] - The funding for the policy will be shared between central and local governments, with the central government covering 80%, 60%, and 50% of the costs in western, central, and eastern regions respectively [5][6] Group 3: Educational Impact - The gross enrollment rate for preschool education in China is projected to reach 92% by 2024, aligning with the average level of high-income countries [4] - The implementation of the Preschool Education Law marks a new phase in ensuring equitable access to education for children, providing strong legal support for their rights [4][6] Group 4: Future Considerations - There are plans to consider extending the free education policy to the entire preschool period and potentially to high school in the future, depending on economic and social development [6][8] - The government aims to create a comprehensive support system for families, which includes financial, service, and cultural support to alleviate the economic burden of raising children [11][12] Group 5: Systematic Approach - The establishment of a multi-dimensional support system for childbirth and child-rearing is emphasized, which includes economic support, service support, and cultural support [12][13] - A recommendation has been made to create a "national childbirth support special fund" to address funding gaps, particularly in rural and central-western regions [13]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has introduced a policy to gradually implement free preschool education, starting from the autumn semester of 2025, which will exempt parents from paying childcare fees for one year of preschool education nationwide [1]. Group 1: Policy Impact on Parents - The new policy is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on parents, with some parents, like Ms. Zhao, estimating savings of around 10,000 yuan due to this and previous birth subsidy policies [3]. - Many parents express satisfaction with the policy, indicating it will alleviate the economic pressures associated with raising children [3]. Group 2: Impact on Kindergartens - Kindergarten administrators are optimistic about the new policy, noting increased inquiries from parents and heightened interest in preschool education [5]. - The dual support from central and local finances boosts confidence among kindergartens to improve educational quality, potentially leading to an increase in enrollment numbers as societal pressures on young families may lessen [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implementation of a free preschool education policy in China, which aims to alleviate financial burdens on families and promote educational equity across regions [1][4]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The free preschool education policy will cover all kindergarten children in their final year, benefiting approximately 12 million children this fall [1][3]. - The policy is expected to increase national fiscal spending by about 20 billion yuan for the fall semester, which will correspondingly reduce family expenditures by the same amount [1][3]. Group 2: Educational Equity - The policy aims to promote educational equity by standardizing the costs of preschool education across different regions, addressing disparities in financial contributions from local governments [4]. - Prior to the policy, monthly preschool fees varied significantly across cities, with Beijing charging 750 yuan, Zhengzhou 820 yuan, and Shenzhen 1008 yuan [4]. Group 3: Government Funding - The government will compensate kindergartens for lost income due to the waived fees, with the compensation standards based on the actual fee levels in each province [6][7]. - Central and local governments will share the financial burden, with the central government covering 80% of costs in economically disadvantaged regions [7][6]. Group 4: Monitoring and Implementation - The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education will monitor the implementation of the policy and ensure timely distribution of funds to kindergartens [10][9]. - Local governments are required to develop specific implementation plans and ensure that the benefits reach eligible families and children [11][10].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of free preschool education in China is a significant milestone aimed at addressing public needs, improving living standards, and promoting balanced population development, starting from the fall semester of 2025 [1][4]. Policy Implementation - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually implement free preschool education, which will exempt public kindergartens from charging care and education fees for children in their final year of preschool [1][4]. - The policy is expected to benefit approximately 12 million children, with an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the upcoming fall semester [4][5]. Financial Support and Structure - The financial burden of the policy will be shared between central and local governments, with the central government covering 80%, 60%, and 50% of the costs in western, central, and eastern regions, respectively [4][5]. - The total national fiscal expenditure for preschool education has increased from 86.2 billion yuan in 2013 to 315 billion yuan in 2023, reflecting an annual growth rate of 13.8% [8]. Future Considerations - The policy aims to reduce the economic burden on families, with potential future expansions to include earlier preschool years and high school education [6][10]. - The government is also considering the integration of existing local policies that exceed the national standards, allowing for tailored implementations based on regional needs [7][9]. Broader Context of Support Policies - The free preschool education initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the fertility support system in China, which includes various measures such as childcare subsidies and improved public services [10][11]. - The establishment of a comprehensive support system for marriage, childbirth, upbringing, and education is recommended to alleviate the financial burdens on families [12].

记者丨王峰 中央财政资金将于近日下达 在吹风会上，财政部科教和文化司司长许留庆在回答21世纪经济报道记者提问时说，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。实质上，是将原来由家庭承 担的教育支出转换为政府来承担，是对家庭教育支出做"减法"，同时也是对国家和政府责任 做"加法"。要让政策红利真正转化为民生福利，真正做到免到位、补精准，还有许多工作需要 精耕细作。确实，现在距离秋季开学不到一个月，时间很紧。财政部将继续与教育部密切协 作、通力配合，重点做好以下几个方面工作，确保免费政策落实落地。 一是尽快下达中央补助资金 。 财政部已经足额安排了中央财政需要承担的免保育教育费补助 资金，将于近日下达。 二是指导地方抓紧制定细化工作措施。 指导各省结合地方实际，分类细化省域内免保育教育 费财政补助标准，尽快制定具体实施方案。其中，部分地区此前已经实施了学前教育资助的， 也要做好政策衔接。 编辑丨周上祺 国务院新闻办公室8月7日举行国务院政策例行吹风会，介绍逐步推行免费学前教育政策有关情 况。 国务院办公厅近日印发《关于逐步推行免费学前教育的意见》（下称《意见》）。《意见》提 出，从2025 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the gradual implementation of free preschool education in China, starting from the fall semester of 2025, which aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and promote inclusive early childhood education [2][5]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually exempt public kindergarten tuition fees for the last year of preschool education, benefiting approximately 12 million children starting in the fall semester of 2025 [2][4]. - The policy will also apply to private kindergartens, which will reduce fees in line with local public kindergarten standards [2][4]. - The financial implications include an estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure of about 20 billion yuan for the fall semester, offsetting family expenses by the same amount [2][4]. Group 2: Financial Sources and Support - The funding for the policy will be shared between central and local governments, with the central government covering 80%, 60%, and 50% of the costs for western, central, and eastern regions, respectively [6][7]. - The Ministry of Finance has allocated the necessary funds for the subsidies and will ensure timely distribution to kindergartens [5][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Considerations - There are concerns regarding the sustainability of the policy, especially in light of declining birth rates and the financial strain on local governments [3][4]. - The article highlights the need for equitable distribution of subsidies across different regions to ensure all children benefit from the policy [11]. - The implementation of the policy will require careful monitoring and evaluation to address potential disparities and ensure effective use of funds [10][11].