The Ministry of Education is expanding free early childhood education and childcare support to children aged 4 and 5. Following last year's support for 5-year-olds, the ministry plans to progressively implement state-guaranteed early childhood education and childcare.
The Ministry of Education announced on the 3rd that starting March this year, it will provide a total of 470.3 billion won in support for approximately 503,000 children aged 4-5 attending daycare centers and kindergartens. Last year, 128.9 billion won was provided to 278,000 5-year-olds. This year, coverage expands to include 248,000 4-year-olds and 255,000 5-year-olds.
The ministry began free education and childcare support for 5-year-olds in July last year. As a result, kindergarten fees decreased 26.6% as of December compared to December 2024.
By institution type, public kindergartens will provide 20,000 won monthly for 12 months to 101,902 children for after-school programs. Private kindergartens will provide 110,000 won monthly for 12 months to 226,221 children for early childhood education fees. Daycare centers will provide 70,000 won monthly for 12 months to 175,318 children for miscellaneous expenses. Per-institution support rates remain unchanged from last year.
Free education and childcare support will be distributed through daycare centers and kindergartens starting March. Parents of 4-5-year-olds need not apply separately. The support amount will be automatically deducted from existing kindergarten tuition or daycare miscellaneous fees.
A Ministry of Education official said, "Having confirmed the policy's effectiveness last year, we will ensure thorough implementation this year based on positive field response. We will continue expanding support for early childhood education and childcare."