Core Viewpoint - The implementation of free preschool education policy starting from the autumn semester of 2025 is backed by significant fiscal subsidies from the central government, indicating a shift in financial responsibility from families to the government [1][3]. Summary by Sections Policy Changes - The revised "Support for Preschool Education Development Fund Management Measures" includes a new purpose to "implement the policy of exempting childcare education fees," indicating an increase in budget allocations for preschool education [1][2]. Financial Implications - The central government's budget for preschool education development funds is set at 25 billion yuan for both 2023 and 2024, while the national fiscal education expenditure for 2023 is 5 trillion yuan, with preschool education accounting for 315 billion yuan [2][3]. - The estimated increase in national fiscal expenditure due to the exemption of childcare education fees is approximately 20 billion yuan for the upcoming autumn semester, potentially rising to 40 billion yuan for the 2025 academic year [3]. Regional Disparities - Different provinces will experience varying levels of financial support based on the number of eligible children and local fiscal conditions, with Guangdong, Shandong, and Henan being the major beneficiaries of the policy [1][9][12]. - Guangdong is identified as the largest beneficiary of the free childcare education fee policy due to its high number of enrolled children and economic development [12][13]. Family Financial Impact - The policy aims to reduce the financial burden on families, as evidenced by a parent’s experience where the monthly childcare fee decreased significantly after transitioning to a public preschool [5][6]. - Despite potential increases in public preschool fees in some regions, the overall financial support from the government is expected to outweigh these increases, leading to a net benefit for families [5][6][7]. Government Responsibility - The shift from family financial responsibility to government funding is characterized as a "reduction" in family education expenses and an "increase" in government responsibility [2][3][4]. - The overall increase in government funding for preschool education has outpaced the rise in family contributions, indicating a growing commitment to improving preschool education services [7][8].