The State Council has issued the “Opinions on Gradually Implementing Free Preschool Education” (hereinafter referred to as the “Opinions”) to promote the widespread, inclusive, safe, and high-quality development of preschool education.
The “Opinions” emphasize adherence to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its subsequent plenary sessions. The document calls for a comprehensive implementation of the Party’s educational policies, addressing the urgent needs and expectations of the people. By strengthening universal access, advancing steadily and orderly, increasing government investment, and reasonably sharing costs, the policy aims to gradually eliminate tuition fees for preschool education, effectively reduce educational expenses, improve basic public education services, and deliver education that satisfies the people.
The “Opinions” specify that starting from the fall semester of 2025, tuition fees for the final year of public preschool education will be waived. The exemption will follow the standards approved by local governments at or above the county level, excluding meal, accommodation, and miscellaneous fees. For eligible children enrolled in private kindergartens approved by educational authorities, tuition fees will be reduced based on the exemption level of comparable local public kindergartens. Private institutions may continue charging families for any amount exceeding this exemption. To compensate for lost revenue due to the policy, financial authorities will provide subsidies based on the number of children benefiting from the exemption and local per-student tuition costs.
The “Opinions” encourage provinces to build upon the national tuition-free policy by further supporting economically disadvantaged children, orphans, and children with disabilities, ensuring comprehensive safeguards. Additionally, the document calls for strict implementation of the “Preschool Education Law of the People’s Republic of China,” maintaining foundational and inclusive principles while improving funding mechanisms.
The “Opinions” require provincial governments to enhance coordination, establish implementation mechanisms, clarify responsibilities, and develop detailed plans that align with existing local preschool education support policies. Local financial and educational departments must strengthen oversight, ensure sufficient funding, and manage expenditures properly to guarantee kindergarten operations and timely teacher salary payments. Educational authorities are tasked with strict supervision to standardize kindergarten operations and safeguard children’s physical and mental well-being.
