Core Viewpoint - The joint notice issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Finance aims to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of preschool education while reducing the financial burden on families and promoting a comprehensive fertility support policy system [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Framework - The notice emphasizes the public welfare nature of preschool education and aims to standardize fee items, improve fee management methods, clarify principles for setting fee standards, and establish a mechanism for evaluating and optimizing fee policies [1]. - It introduces a catalog system and strengthens the supervision of fee collection practices to ensure reasonable formation of fee standards, thereby enhancing the role of fee policies in promoting quality and inclusive supply [1]. Group 2: Fee Structure - Kindergartens are allowed to charge five types of fees: care and education fees, accommodation fees, care fees for childcare services, service fees, and agency fees [1]. - Public kindergartens and non-profit private kindergartens will have their care and education fees and accommodation fees set at government-guided prices, while for-profit private kindergartens will have market-regulated prices for these fees and other service charges [1]. Group 3: Monitoring and Evaluation - Local development and reform departments are required to collaborate with education, finance, and health departments to monitor kindergarten fees, understand industry dynamics, and assess operational conditions [2]. - The notice mandates regular evaluations of fee management methods, items, and standards, with a review cycle not exceeding three years, to ensure timely adjustments and optimizations of related policies [2]. Group 4: Implementation and Coordination - The National Development and Reform Commission will work with relevant departments to guide local authorities in formulating or revising regional kindergarten fee management methods, ensuring alignment between fee policies and free policies, and implementing tax and fee reduction policies [2]. - There will be a focus on strengthening inter-departmental collaboration, public communication, and supervision to address societal concerns and facilitate smooth policy implementation [2].

（来源：千龙网） 鼓励幼儿园以服务赢得家长主动"买单"，而不是靠"乱收费"对家长进行"打劫"。 其实，之前地方发改部门对幼儿园保教费定价成本基本都有相应的调查或监审制度。相关管理办法也要 求，幼儿园应建立健全会计核算制度，完整准确记录保教费、住宿费等成本和收入情况，并按照规定做 好收费公示工作。 按理说，监管已经基本实现了对幼儿园收费的"全覆盖"，"乱收费"应该得到有效监管和整治。但是，一 些幼儿园借助第三方机构，推出各种名目的培训项目，变相增加收费，大大增加了幼儿家长的经济负 担。幼儿园内办兴趣班，收费的不是幼儿园，而是第三方机构，这种"换马甲"的操作成了部分幼儿园增 加收费的潜规则，也引发了很多家长的不满。 比如，据此前媒体报道，重庆一家幼儿园对家长收取特色课程费。根据当地规定，幼儿园不允许在保育 费之外收取这些费用。当家长向重庆网络问政平台反映问题后，幼儿园辩解说"我们只是引荐，然后由 第三方机构来收这个钱"。这种"引荐"当然不会是"无缘无故的爱"，幼儿园有无从中分一杯羹，值得怀 疑。"里应外合"，幼儿园与第三方机构一起抬高了幼儿家长的实际支出。 当然，斩断"乱收费"，不是无视幼儿园自身成本压力，任其自 ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the ongoing challenges faced by private kindergartens in Foshan, with 12 institutions recently having their operating licenses revoked due to lack of enrollment and educational activities, marking a significant trend in the sector [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Trends - Over 20 private kindergartens in Foshan have had their licenses revoked or canceled this year, surpassing the total number for 2024 [2] - The number of private kindergartens in China has decreased from 173,200 in 2019 to 135,500 in 2024, approaching levels seen in 2013 [3] - The decline in enrollment numbers in private kindergartens is attributed to changing market conditions and increased competition from public kindergartens, which offer better resources and lower fees [3][4] Group 2: Operational Challenges - Many private kindergartens are struggling with delayed government subsidies, which exacerbates their financial pressures [5][6] - A private kindergarten operator reported monthly revenues of approximately 60,000 yuan, while expenses reached nearly 100,000 yuan, highlighting the unsustainable financial model for many institutions [7] - The need for private kindergartens to differentiate themselves through unique courses and services is emphasized as a potential strategy for survival [8][9] Group 3: Market Positioning - Despite the challenges, there remains a market for private kindergartens that can offer personalized education, as some parents still seek alternatives to public options [9][10] - Successful examples include kindergartens that have implemented bilingual education and flexible participation options, which have helped maintain stable operations despite overall declines in enrollment [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Finance have issued a notification to improve kindergarten charging policies, effective from January 1, 2026, emphasizing the need for enhanced regulation of charging practices in kindergartens [1] Group 1: Regulatory Measures - Local development reform, education, and finance departments are required to guide kindergartens in establishing sound financial, accounting, and asset management systems [1] - Kindergartens must accurately record the costs and income of different class types and provide relevant information for cost investigations or audits [1] Group 2: Charging Practices - Charges can be collected monthly, quarterly, or per semester, but advance collection across semesters is prohibited [1] - Kindergartens are instructed to sign agreements with parents detailing charging standards, methods, and refund policies [1] Group 3: Prohibited Fees - Kindergartens are not allowed to charge fees under the guise of transition classes, interest classes, after-school training, or parent-child specialty classes beyond the standard educational fees [1] - It is forbidden to collect any fees linked to enrollment under any name, including donations for educational assistance, and to collect fees through parent committees or third-party organizations [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent notification issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance regarding the standardization of kindergarten fee policies, aiming to eliminate irregular charging practices and reduce the financial burden on families [1][3]. Summary by Sections Notification Highlights - The notification introduces flexible government-guided pricing for public kindergartens instead of fixed government pricing, allowing for differentiated pricing in nursery classes to enhance the quality of education and care [1]. - It strictly regulates private kindergarten fees, particularly targeting irregular charges, thereby lowering the cost of childcare education for families [1]. Fee Structure - The notification outlines various fee items for kindergartens, including education fees (保教费), accommodation fees, service fees, and additional charges for nursery classes [2]. - A directory list system is established, requiring local areas and kindergartens to create two lists: one for service and additional fees that can be charged, and another for the specific fees of each kindergarten, which must be publicly disclosed [2]. Addressing Irregular Charges - The notification aims to tackle the root causes of irregular charges by prohibiting fees for items like textbooks and access cards, which are banned by regulatory authorities [5]. - It also forbids charging fees under the guise of transition classes, interest classes, after-school training, and parent-child specialty classes [5]. Fee Management Classification - The notification categorizes fee management for different types of kindergartens, with public and non-profit private kindergartens subject to government-guided pricing, while for-profit private kindergartens can set market-adjusted prices [7]. - The shift from government-fixed pricing to government-guided pricing for public kindergartens allows for slight fee increases to reflect cost and demand changes [7]. Encouragement of Nursery Services - The notification emphasizes the need for kindergartens to provide nursery services, addressing the current shortage of such services nationwide [10]. - It allows kindergartens to set nursery fees based on education fee standards and cost differences, promoting the establishment of nursery classes [10]. Financial Support for Nursery Services - The article mentions that there are approximately 126,000 nursery service institutions in China, with over 6.6 million available spots, but a lack of a long-term financial support system for nursery services remains a challenge [11]. - The proposed nursery service law aims to integrate nursery service development into national economic and social planning, ensuring budget allocation for these services [11].

Group 1 - The core message of the notification is to improve the kindergarten fee policy to promote the development of preschool education, reduce costs for families, and support the birth policy system [1] - The notification outlines the types of fees that can be charged by kindergartens, including education fees, accommodation fees, service fees, and agency fees [2][29] - It specifies that public and non-profit private kindergartens will have their fees regulated by government guidance, while for-profit private kindergartens will set fees based on market conditions [3][30] Group 2 - The principles for setting fee standards include considering local economic conditions, community affordability, and the nature of the institution, with costs being monitored and adjusted regularly [4][31] - A mechanism for evaluating and optimizing fee policies will be established, with assessments conducted every three years to ensure the policies remain effective [5][32] - A directory system for service and agency fees will be implemented, requiring kindergartens to publicly disclose their fee structures and adhere to approved lists [6][33] Group 3 - Regulatory bodies will oversee the financial management of kindergartens, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with fee regulations [7][34] - Support measures will be put in place to align fee policies with free education policies, ensuring the sustainability of kindergartens through financial assistance and tax relief [8][35] - Coordination among various government departments is emphasized to ensure the effective implementation of the new fee policies and to address any violations [9][36]

Core Viewpoint The National Development and Reform Commission, along with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance, has issued a notification to improve the kindergarten charging policy, aiming to standardize fees and enhance transparency in the early childhood education sector [1][11]. Group 1: Standardization of Charging Items - Kindergarten charging items include care education fees, accommodation fees, service fees, and agency fees, with care fees applicable for toddler classes [2][12]. - Care education fees refer to the costs for providing preschool education, while accommodation fees are for boarding services in kindergartens [2][12]. Group 2: Classification and Management of Fees - Public and non-profit private kindergartens will have their care and accommodation fees regulated by government guidance prices, while for-profit private kindergartens will set fees based on market conditions [3][13]. - The management of care fees for toddler classes will follow the same principles as care education fees, ensuring that the standards are reasonable and meet community needs [3][13]. Group 3: Principles for Setting Fee Standards - Fee standards for public and non-profit private kindergartens should be based on cost audits, considering local economic conditions and community affordability [4][14]. - Costs included in fee calculations must exclude non-normal operating expenses, ensuring that only regular operational costs are considered [4][14]. Group 4: Evaluation and Optimization Mechanism - Local development and reform departments are tasked with monitoring kindergarten fees and conducting regular evaluations of the charging policies, with a review cycle not exceeding three years [5][15]. - Reports on kindergarten operations and fee adjustments must be submitted annually to relevant government departments [5][15]. Group 5: Establishment of a Directory System - A directory of service and agency fees must be established, requiring approval from local education and financial departments before implementation [6][16]. - Kindergartens are required to publicly disclose their fee directories, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations [6][16]. Group 6: Strengthening Fee Regulation - Local authorities must guide kindergartens in establishing financial management systems and ensure accurate record-keeping of costs and revenues [7][17]. - Agreements between kindergartens and parents must clearly outline fee structures and refund policies, prohibiting additional fees under various pretexts [7][18]. Group 7: Supporting Measures - Coordination between financial support and charging policies is essential to enhance the cost-sharing mechanism in early childhood education [8][19]. - Local education departments are responsible for recognizing and updating lists of various types of kindergartens to ensure compliance with standards [8][19]. Group 8: Implementation and Coordination - Local development, education, and finance departments must collaborate to implement the new policies effectively, ensuring compliance and addressing public concerns [9][20]. - The notification will take effect on January 1, 2026, superseding any previous inconsistent regulations [10][20].

Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission, along with two other departments, has issued a notice to improve the kindergarten fee policy, emphasizing market regulation for profit-oriented private kindergartens and the need for effective supervision to prevent excessive charges [1][2]. Group 1: Fee Structure and Management - Kindergarten fees will include education fees, accommodation fees, service fees, and agency fees, with specific definitions for each type [3]. - Public and non-profit private kindergartens will have their education and accommodation fees regulated by government guidance, while profit-oriented private kindergartens will set fees based on market conditions [4]. - The fee standards for public kindergartens will be managed as administrative charges, with local governments having the authority to set specific rates within defined ranges [4][5]. Group 2: Fee Standard Principles - Fee standards for public and non-profit private kindergartens will be based on a cost audit, considering local economic conditions and community affordability [5]. - Normal operating costs will be included in the fee calculations, while extraordinary costs such as disaster losses will not be considered [6]. Group 3: Policy Evaluation and Optimization - Local development and reform departments will monitor kindergarten fees and conduct regular evaluations of the fee management system, with adjustments made at least every three years [7]. - A directory of service and agency fees will be established, requiring public disclosure to ensure transparency and accountability [8]. Group 4: Regulatory Oversight - Local authorities will guide kindergartens in establishing financial management systems and ensure accurate record-keeping of costs and revenues [9]. - Agreements between kindergartens and parents must clearly outline fee structures and refund policies, prohibiting additional fees under various pretexts [9]. Group 5: Supportive Measures - Local governments are encouraged to align financial support with fee policies to enhance the quality of early childhood education and ensure the sustainability of kindergartens [10]. - Coordination among development, education, and finance departments is essential for the effective implementation of these policies [11]. Group 6: Implementation Timeline - The new fee policy will take effect on January 1, 2026, superseding any previous inconsistent regulations [12].

Core Viewpoint - The notification aims to improve the charging policy for kindergartens, promoting the development of inclusive and high-quality preschool education while reducing the cost of care and education for the public [1][2] Group 1: Charging Policy Framework - The notification emphasizes the public welfare nature of preschool education and aims to standardize charging items, improve management methods, clarify principles for setting charging standards, and enhance the evaluation and optimization mechanism for charging policies [1] - Kindergartens are allowed to charge five types of fees: care and education fees, accommodation fees, care fees for childcare services, service fees, and agency fees [1] - Public kindergartens and non-profit private kindergartens will have their fees guided by the government, while for-profit private kindergartens will have market-regulated fees [1] Group 2: Monitoring and Evaluation - Local development and reform departments are required to collaborate with education, finance, and health departments to monitor kindergarten fees and understand industry dynamics [2] - The notification mandates regular evaluations of charging management methods, items, and standards, with a review cycle not exceeding three years [2] - The National Development and Reform Commission will guide local authorities in revising regional kindergarten charging management methods and ensuring the smooth implementation of policies [2]

12月19日，在河北省石家庄新乐市市直第二幼儿园，老师教小朋友包饺子。 临近冬至，各地开展包饺子迎冬 至活动。 新华社发（贾敏杰 摄） ...