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]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is gradually implementing free preschool education as a significant public welfare initiative that impacts millions of families and aims to enhance the long-term development of the education system [1][2]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The State Council has called for the development of detailed work plans for free preschool education, ensuring timely and sufficient funding allocation [1]. - The implementation of free preschool education is expected to address issues such as insufficient resources, inadequate policy support, and lagging teacher development in kindergartens [1]. - The Ministry of Education has recognized 301 counties (cities, districts) for their efforts in promoting inclusive preschool education, indicating a need for further expansion [3]. Group 2: Financial Support and Cost Reduction - The initiative is aimed at reducing the cost of raising children, alleviating parents' concerns about childbirth expenses [2]. - 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 a maximum of 500,000 yuan per class for operational costs [2]. - The financial support for private kindergartens has been significantly increased from 1,333 yuan to 6,500 yuan per student per year, promoting high-quality development in the sector [2]. Group 3: Legal and Structural Framework - The implementation of the Preschool Education Law on June 1 has provided a legal foundation for the gradual rollout of free preschool education [4]. - Recommendations have been made to create a collaborative governance structure involving multiple stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of preschool education [4]. - International experiences suggest that public funding plays a crucial role in supporting preschool education, with families contributing only about 17% of total funding in OECD countries [4]. Group 4: Budget and Investment Trends - The central government has increased educational spending, with a projected 5% growth in central-level education expenditures by 2025 [5]. - In the first half of the year, education spending in the general public budget grew by 5.9%, indicating a strong commitment to enhancing educational resources [5]. - Policies such as childcare subsidies and the gradual implementation of free preschool education are part of the government's strategy to improve educational quality and accessibility [5].