Support measures for schoolchildren with a different native language
Children with a different native language are eligible for different kinds of support. The particular type of support is defined by the preschool after observing the child.
Children who start attending preschool and do not speak the language sufficiently or do no speak Czech at all are eligible for support within the regular preschool regime (e.g. the regime or activities are adapted accordingly, communication cards are used, and if need be the services of an assistant teacher are provided) and during the pre-primary school year a Czech language course is offered free of charge in the extent of 1 hour per week (see below).
In order to receive support, the child needs to complete an examination at the school counseling center (Pedagogical-Psychological Counseling Center) which will evaluate the child and provide the school with suitable support measure recommendation. Based on this evaluation the school can receive funding for staff support (assistant teachers), and material support (books, games, equipment). The child psychologist or special education teacher at the counseling center carries out initial diagnostics of the child. The examination is free of charge and is carried out in the presence of the parents and ideally of a professional interpreter or an intercultural worker.
Free language training course — compulsory pre-primary school year
All children with a foreign citizenship attending school in the Czech Republic (including the compulsory pre-primary school year) for less than 2 years are eligible for a free language course (without having to consult the counseling center) — a course of Czech as a second language.
Starting September 2025, children with Czech citizenship, whose proficiency in Czech is insufficient, are also eligible. This especially includes children from families that do not speak Czech at home (e.g., children of foreign parents, children from bilingual families, children of returnees, etc.)
If the preschool is attended by 1 to 3 children eligible for the free language course, they will be provided with individual language support within the educational activities in compliance with the School Education Program. This type of support is usually provided by the teacher or the assistant teacher from the child’s class.
If the preschool is attended by 4 or more children eligible for the free language course, the principal sets up a language course group of 4 to 8 children. If there are more than 8 children, the principal can set up two groups. This type of language support is usually provided by the school’s teacher who specializes in teaching Czech as a second language or by an external language teacher who regularly attends the preschool.
