Government Announces Free Preschool Education for One Year in Public Kindergartens

In a significant move to support families and improve early childhood education, the State Council has issued a new policy that will gradually introduce free preschool education in public kindergartens. The policy, titled "Opinions on Gradually Promoting Free Preschool Education," aims to ensure that preschool education is more accessible, affordable, and of high quality across the country.

Key Provisions of the Policy

The policy outlines several key measures to improve the quality and affordability of preschool education. It emphasizes the need to reduce educational costs for families, improve public education services, and ensure that preschool education is accessible to all children, regardless of their background.

Starting from the autumn semester of 2025, the government will fully exempt the tuition and care fees for children in the final year of public kindergartens. This exemption will be based on the approved tuition rates set by local governments and their education and price departments, excluding expenses such as food, accommodation, and miscellaneous fees.

For children attending private kindergartens that have been officially approved by the education department, the government will also provide corresponding fee reductions, in line with the standards of local public kindergartens. If the private kindergarten's tuition exceeds the exemption level, the remaining fees can still be charged to the families.

To support kindergartens affected by the tuition exemption, the government will provide financial subsidies based on the number of children affected and the average tuition rates in the area. This will help ensure that the quality of education does not decline and that kindergartens can continue to operate smoothly.

Additional Support for Vulnerable Groups

The policy also encourages provinces to provide additional support for vulnerable groups, such as children from low-income families, orphans, and children with disabilities. This will help ensure that no child is left behind in the quest for quality early education.

Provinces are encouraged to take the initiative in developing their own implementation plans, aligning with the national policy and ensuring a smooth transition with existing preschool education assistance programs. Provincial and local governments are also urged to strengthen financial support and ensure that funding is distributed promptly and efficiently to support the operations of kindergartens and the well-being of teachers.

Ensuring Quality and Oversight

The policy also emphasizes the importance of oversight and quality control. Local education departments are required to strictly enforce regulations, ensure that kindergartens operate in accordance with national standards, and protect the physical and mental health of children.

This move is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on families, especially those in lower-income groups, and help promote a more equitable and inclusive preschool education system in China.