Preschool is essentially the beginning of education for children from birth to age six. It is a three-year, optional class designed for all children between the ages of three and five. The goal is to help them develop in every way: making friends, thinking, moving, and even understanding what is right and wrong. It is also a good way to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn. Parents are also very important in this process! It's like a gradual transition from kindergarten to elementary school.
By the way, in 2009, Presidential Decree No. 89 was issued, which defined the procedures for kindergartens and early development groups.
Public kindergartens, as well as those run by other organizations, are part of the larger school system. If it is a public kindergarten, there is no tuition, but the cost of meals, bus trips and extra hours are paid for by the family. These costs are paid by the family. Other daycare centers may charge an attendance fee.
Parents beware! If your toddler turned three before Dec. 31 of this year, he or she can go to preschool. But here's another interesting point: If your baby turns three before April 30 of the following year, he or she can get a head start and enter kindergarten earlier. But there are a few things to consider:
- the availability of places;
- the first thing to do is to eliminate all waiting lists;
- the school must have the necessary equipment and space suitable for young children under three;
- the teaching staff will have to decide whether the time and method of admission is suitable for your child.
In addition, if your child is between 24 months and three years old during the year, he or she can attend what are called 'spring sections' if the school provides them. It's not just early learning, but a special program for their age!"
Operating Hours
Hello everyone! Preschools typically run 40 hours a week, but can run up to 50 if needed. If morning hours are more convenient for your family, you may choose a shorter week of 25 hours. Depending on your choice, schools divide children into different time slots.
Grade Grouping
Preschool classrooms usually have about 18-26 children. However, sometimes there can be up to 29 (this figure is taken from Article 9 of Presidential Decree No. 81 of 2009). If there are children with severe disabilities in the class, the limit is 20 children. Classes may be grouped by age or be mixed. There are also special activities that involve children from different classes.
What children are taught
Magistral experts have identified what children should be taught in preschool, focusing on five main areas:
- I and others: learning about self and relationships.
- Movement: all about our bodies and physical activity.
- Artistic Things: exploring images, sounds, and colors.
- Talking: deepening communication and language.
- Discovering the World: understanding the environment and all that surrounds it.
Each area has interesting tools and techniques to help children understand things better and gain confidence in learning.
Updates and New Focus
The 2012 guide has been redesigned for 2018. The focus is now on teaching children to be good citizens and care for our planet. This change is in line with recommendations from Europe and the United Nations, particularly the UN's grand plans for a better world by 2030.
Teaching styles and everyday attitudes
In school, it is important to create a comfortable and relaxed place for children to learn. This means a cool environment, fun facilities and a busy day. The kindergarten curriculum includes a combination of caring, socializing, and learning.
The point is to make learning hands-on! Children are immersed in the world of things by playing, exploring and fiddling with objects. Whether it's nature, art, or just the world around them, they are constantly learning. This includes making mistakes and interacting with friends and adults. It all needs to be seen, touched, played with, and discovered.
Regular routines are fundamental. It's something that happens every day and helps children feel at ease. Think, for example, about morning greetings, cleanup, feeding and naps. These moments help children understand time and build their personal and social skills.
Great applause at recess! This is the time when children express themselves, share stories and show creativity. And this is where teachers are always watching them (in a good way!). They observe the children to understand them better. They also take notes and pictures to remember all the good things the kids do. It's not about making grades, it's about seeing how each child grows and develops.
They're not about making grades, they're about seeing how each child grows and develops.