Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is gradually implementing free preschool education, starting with the exemption of care and education fees for children in public kindergartens from the upcoming autumn semester, which is expected to influence family birth decisions and improve education quality [1][5][7]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The State Council has issued an opinion to gradually exempt preschool education fees, beginning with public kindergartens [1]. - The exemption will also apply to private kindergartens based on local public kindergarten standards [1]. - The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education will consider factors such as school-age population changes and financial capacity to improve the free preschool education policy [1]. Group 2: Historical Context - Various provinces have previously explored free education, with significant initiatives starting around 2011, including a comprehensive plan in Shaanxi for one year of free preschool education [3]. - By 2016, more provinces joined the initiative, with some areas implementing up to 15 years of free education [3]. Group 3: Educational Quality and Economic Impact - The push for free preschool education is linked to the need for improved educational quality and the economic context of decreasing birth rates and an aging population [5][6]. - The financial burden of education remains significant, with families often spending on supplementary education despite free policies [6][7]. - The case of Shenmu, which has invested heavily in education, illustrates the economic benefits of free education, attracting families and increasing local population [8][9]. Group 4: Future Directions - The focus is shifting from merely providing free education to ensuring high-quality education, which requires substantial investment in teacher training and curriculum development [10]. - The disparity in educational quality across regions may become more pronounced as free education expands nationwide, necessitating a focus on educational resources and management systems [9][10].